The Nikkei stock index opened higher Monday as the yen's decline against the U.S. dollar in early trading lifted exporter issues, but it soon turned top-heavy on profit-taking.
In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average rose 185.29 points, or 0.46 percent, from Friday to 40,554.73. The broader Topix index was down 5.64 points, or 0.20 percent, at 2,762.98.
On the top-tier Prime Market, gainers were led by precision instrument and machinery issues, while mining and insurance issues led decliners.
At 9 a.m., the dollar fetched 151.38-41 yen after trading just above 151.20 yen earlier, compared with 151.33-43 yen in New York and 151.33-34 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Friday.
The euro was quoted at $1.0791-0795 and 163.35-45 yen against $1.0785-0795 and 163.35-45 yen in New York and $1.0768-0769 and 162.96-163.00 yen in Tokyo late Friday afternoon.
