Tokyo stocks open lower as investors secure gains, firm yen weighs

TOKYO, Oct. 3 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks opened lower Wednesday as investors moved to take profits after the Nikkei index closed at an almost 27-year high a day earlier, with a firm yen sending exporters lower.

As of 9:15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average dropped 61.80 points, or 0.25 percent, from Tuesday to 24,208.82.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, slipped 2.05 points, or 0.11 percent, at 1,821.98.

Transportation equipment, oil and coal product, and insurance-linked issues comprised those that declined the most in the opening minutes after the morning bell.