Tokyo stocks retreat from the bell amid U.S. shares decline, oil prices drop

Tokyo stocks opened down on Tuesday as a tepid performance on the Wall Street overnight coupled with a slump in oil prices combined to create a dour market mood early on.

As of 9:15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average dropped 54.79 points, or 0.31 percent, from Monday to 17,384.51.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, fell 4.88 points, or 0.35 percent, to 1,396.95.

Early notable decliners comprised insurance, marine transportation and banking-linked shares. Endit