The Nikkei stock index fell in early trading Tuesday as investors locked in gains after two days of advances, with some exporters weighed down by the yen's appreciation against the U.S. dollar overnight.
In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fell 112.08 points, or 0.29 percent, from Monday to 38,810.95. The broader Topix index was up 0.07 point at 2,798.14.
On the top-tier Prime Market, decliners were led by mining, rubber product and transportation equipment issues.
At 9 a.m., the dollar fetched 156.08-11 yen compared with 155.98-156.08 yen in New York and 157.11-13 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Monday.
The euro was quoted at $1.0906-0910 and 170.25-27 yen against $1.0899-0909 and 170.09-19 yen in New York and $1.0839-0840 and 170.30-34 yen in Tokyo late Monday afternoon.
