Tokyo stocks opened nearly flat Tuesday, as selling to lock in gains after the recent 34-year highs of key indexes was offset by buying of export-related issues on a weaker yen against the U.S. dollar.
In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average rose 19.29 points, or 0.05 percent, from Monday to 38,489.67. The broader Topix index was down 0.24 point, or 0.01 percent, at 2,639.45.
On the top-tier Prime Market, gainers were led by marine transportation and pharmaceutical issues, while insurance, and oil and coal product issues led decliners.
At 9 a.m., the U.S. dollar fetched 150.25-28 yen compared with 150.10-20 yen in London at 4 p.m. and 149.97-99 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Monday.
The euro was quoted at $1.0774-0778 and 161.88-97 yen against $1.0760-0770 and 161.65-70 yen in London and $1.0782-0784 and 161.70-74 yen in Tokyo late Monday afternoon.
U.S. financial markets were closed Monday for a public holiday.
