Tokyo stocks opened lower Tuesday as intensifying protests against China's strict "zero-COVID" policy sparked concern over the outlook for the world's second-biggest economy.
In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fell 251.35 points, or 0.89 percent, from Monday to 27,911.48. The broader Topix index was down 17.28 points, or 0.86 percent, at 1,987.03.
On the top-tier Prime Market, decliners were led by metal product, machinery, and pharmaceutical issues.
At 9 a.m., the dollar fetched 138.71-74 yen compared with 138.85-95 yen in New York and 138.30-32 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Monday.
The euro was quoted at $1.0342-0346 and 143.45-54 yen against $1.0335-0345 and 143.59-69 yen in New York, and $1.0374-0375 and 143.48-52 yen in Tokyo late Monday afternoon.
