Tokyo stocks opened lower Monday, weighed down by a firming yen that rose to a seven-month high versus the U.S. dollar in the mid-127 level late last week amid speculation the Bank of Japan may further revise its ultraloose monetary policy.
In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fell 371.42 points, or 1.42 percent, from Friday to 25,748.10. The broader Topix index was down 16.40 points, or 0.86 percent, at 1,886.68.
On the top-tier Prime Market, decliners were led by marine transportation, precision instrument and transportation equipment issues.
At 9 a.m., the dollar fetched 128.05-08 yen compared with 127.80-90 yen in New York and 128.37-39 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Friday.
The euro was quoted at $1.0821-0825 and 138.56-65 yen against $1.0828-0838 and 138.39-49 yen in New York and $1.0848-0850 and 139.26-30 yen in Tokyo late Friday afternoon.
