Tokyo stocks opened sharply lower Monday on selling spurred by declines in European and U.S. markets late last week amid concern about political turmoil in France ahead of a parliamentary election.
In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fell 683.21 points, or 1.76 percent, from Friday to 38,131.35. The broader Topix index was down 40.22 points, or 1.46 percent, at 2,706.39.
On the top-tier Prime Market, decliners were led by transportation equipment, real estate and nonferrous metal issues.
At 9 a.m., the U.S. dollar fetched 157.55-57 yen compared with 157.40-50 yen in New York and 157.66-68 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Friday.
The euro was quoted at $1.0702-0703 and 168.61-65 yen against $1.0701-0711 and 168.52-62 yen in New York and $1.0707-0708 and 168.81-85 yen in Tokyo late Friday afternoon.
