Tokyo stocks open lower following tepid U.S. data, yen's rise

Tokyo stocks opened lower Friday as tepid economic data from the United States coupled with the yen's appreciation combined for a dour market mood from the off.

As of 9:15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average dropped 48.61 points, or 0.29 percent, from Thursday to 16,911.55.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, declined 4.22 points, or 0.31 percent, to 1,364.83.

Early notable decliners comprised land transportation, and information and communication-linked shares. Endit