Tokyo stocks opened slightly lower Tuesday, weighed down by concern over the prospect of prolonged U.S. monetary tightening after the release of stronger-than-expected November service sector data in the world's largest economy.
In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fell 20.81 points, or 0.07 percent, from Monday to 27,799.59. The broader Topix index was down 1.39 points, or 0.07 percent, at 1,946.51.
On the top-tier Prime Market, decliners were led by mining, precision instrument, and service issues.
At 9 a.m., the dollar fetched 136.55-60 yen compared with 136.74-84 yen in New York and 135.12-14 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Monday.
The euro was quoted at $1.0495-0499 and 143.31-42 yen against $1.0488-0498 and 143.45-55 yen in New York and $1.0538-0540 and 142.39-43 yen in Tokyo late Monday afternoon.