Tokyo stocks open lower on weak tech issues

Tokyo stocks opened lower Friday on weak technology shares following an overnight decline of the Nasdaq index.

In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fell 334.59 points, or 1.22 percent, from Thursday to 27,010.65. The broader Topix index was down 11.01 points, or 0.58 percent, at 1,894.55.

On the top-tier Prime Market, decliners were led by precision instrument, electric appliance and machinery issues.

On the currency market, the dollar moved little in the lower 146 yen range as investors awaited the outcome of a Bank of Japan policy meeting and remarks by BOJ chief Haruhiko Kuroda.

At 9 a.m., the dollar fetched 146.28-31 yen compared with 146.24-34 yen in New York and 145.71-74 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Thursday.

The euro was quoted at $0.9965-9969 and 145.78-85 yen against $0.9960-9970 and 145.55-65 yen in New York and $1.0066-0067 and 146.69-73 yen in Tokyo late Thursday afternoon.

© Kyodo News