Tokyo stocks opened lower Wednesday, with technology shares leading the decline, tracking losses in U.S. counterparts overnight.
In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fell 177.08 points, or 0.67 percent, from Tuesday to 26,270.79. The broader Topix index was down 5.22 points, or 0.27 percent, at 1,904.93.
On the top-tier Prime Market, decliners were led by precision instrument, electric appliance, and real estate issues.
At 9 a.m., the U.S. dollar fetched 133.47-50 yen compared with 133.46-56 yen in New York and 132.87-89 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Tuesday.
The euro was quoted at $1.0635-0639 and 141.96-142.02 yen against $1.0636-0646 and 141.94-142.04 yen in New York, and $1.0645-0646 and 141.44-48 yen in Tokyo late Tuesday afternoon.
