Tokyo stocks decline in morning as firm yen prompts profit-taking

TOKYO, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks lost ground Monday morning as the yen's appreciation against the U.S. dollar sent exporter issues lower, while investors opted to lock in recent gains.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average lost 65.34 points, or 0.31 percent, from Friday to 20,708.22.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, dropped 5.05 points, or 0.32 percent, at 1,561.05.

Miscellaneous product, electric power and gas, and iron and steel-linked issues comprised those that declined the most by the morning break.