TOKYO, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks opened lower on Friday as the yen's appreciation against the U.S. dollar created a dour market mood that saw exporters retreat and drag down the broader market.
As of 9:15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average dropped 114.57 points, or 0.59 percent, from Thursday to 19,232.96.
The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, fell 8.54 points, or 0.55 percent, to 1,542.53.
Notable issues that declined as markets opened here comprised transportation equipment, securities and real estate issues-linked stocks.