Tokyo stocks decline in morning on profit taking

Tokyo stocks declined on Monday morning as investors opted to secure profits made following the market's recent gains.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average lost 144.62 points, or 0.74 percent, from Friday to 19,322.78.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, dropped 10.80 points, or 0.70 percent, to 1,538.45.

Notable decliners by the break comprised bank, insurance, and electric and power-linked issues. Endit