Tokyo stocks open lower as decline in U.S. shares dents sentiment

TOKYO, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks opened lower Thursday as investor sentiment was dented by U.S. shares declining overnight amid concerns over the outlook of the global economy.

As of 9:15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average dropped 154.55 points, or 0.72 percent, from Wednesday to 21,442.26.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, lost 11.65 points, or 0.72 percent, to 1,603.60.

Bank, marine transportation and electric appliance-linked issues comprised those that declined the most in the opening minutes after the morning bell.