This Oct. 1, 2020 file photo shows the Tokyo Stock Exchange. (Mainichi)
TOKYO (Kyodo) — Tokyo stocks opened lower Wednesday, hit by growing concern over U.S.-Japan tariff negotiations after President Donald Trump floated the idea of further increasing levies on imports from Japan.
In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fell 478.35 points, or 1.20 percent, from Tuesday to 39,507.98. The broader Topix index was down 12.85 points, or 0.45 percent, at 2,819.22.
On the top-tier Prime Market, decliners were led by nonferrous metal, machinery and insurance issues.
At 9 a.m., the U.S. dollar fetched 143.36-38 yen compared with 143.37-47 yen in New York and 143.07-09 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Tuesday.
The euro was quoted at $1.1804-1807 and 169.22-29 yen against $1.1802-1812 and 169.25-35 yen in New York and $1.1783-1785 and 168.59-63 yen in Tokyo late Tuesday afternoon.
AloJapan.com