Tokyo stocks open flat ahead of outcome of Fed policy meeting

TOKYO, March 20 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks opened flat Wednesday as investors avoided making bold moves ahead of the conclusion later in the day of the U.S. Federal Reserve's policy-setting meeting.

As of 9:15 a.m. local time, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average shed 24.88 points, or 0.12 percent, from Tuesday to 21,541.97.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, edged 1.24 points, or 0.08 percent lower, at 1,608.99.

Miscellaneous product, securities house, and farm and fishery-linked issues comprised notable early decliners.