Nikkei opens lower on trade concerns

TOKYO, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks opened lower Friday amid global trade concerns.

As of 9:15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average dropped 163.72 points, or 0.72 percent, from Thursday to 22,705.78.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, lost 10.88 points, or 0.63 percent, at 1,728.26.

Iron and steel, nonferrous metal, and marine transportation-linked issues comprised early decliners.