This Oct. 1, 2020 file photo shows the Tokyo Stock Exchange. (Mainichi)
TOKYO (Kyodo) — Tokyo stocks were lower early Wednesday, weighed down by Wall Street losses overnight after U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell indicated there is no certainty about further rate cuts in the near term.
In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fell 217.15 points, or 0.48 percent, from Monday to 45,276.51. The broader Topix index was down 16.08 points, or 0.51 percent, at 3,147.09.
Japanese markets were closed Tuesday for a public holiday.
On the top-tier Prime Market, the main decliners were insurance, electric appliance and service issues.
At 9 a.m., the U.S. dollar fetched 147.58-60 yen compared with 147.59-69 yen in New York at 5 p.m. Tuesday.
The euro was quoted at $1.1816-1817 and 174.39-42 yen against $1.1810-1820 and 174.39-49 yen in New York late Tuesday afternoon.