Tokyo stocks were slightly lower Tuesday morning as investors locked in gains after recent 34-year highs of key indexes, while some export-related issues were sought on a weaker yen.
The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fell 31.74 points, or 0.08 percent, from Monday to 38,438.64. The broader Topix index was down 5.50 points, or 0.21 percent, at 2,634.19.
The U.S. dollar remained firm in the lower 150 yen range, supported partly by buying from domestic importers, dealers said.
At noon, the dollar fetched 150.30-35 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 $1.0766-0768 and 161.81-90 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.
The Nikkei stock index briefly climbed to within around 200 points of a record high as the yen's depreciation spurred buying of some export-oriented auto and other issues.
But investors were reluctant to chase the upside, with stocks moving without clear direction amid a lack of fresh trading cues as the U.S. stock market was closed.
