Tokyo stocks open lower as investors lock in gains

TOKYO, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks opened lower Tuesday, as some investors opted to secure profits after the benchmark Nikkei stock index hit a 26-year high a day earlier.

As of 9:15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average edged down 7.15 points, or 0.03 percent, from Monday to 22,932.03.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, shed 0.24 points, or 0.01 percent, at 1,831.69.

Securities and insurance-linked issues led decliners. Retail and land transportation-oriented issues comprised those that gained the most in the opening minutes after the morning bell.