Tokyo stocks lose ground in morning on uncertainty in Italy, Spain

TOKYO, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks lost ground Tuesday morning as investor sentiment was dented by political issues in both Italy and Spain, with a firm yen contributing to a risk-off mood.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average dropped 235.86 points, or 1.05 percent, from Monday to 22,245.23.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, lost 14.21 points, or 0.80 percent, to 1,756.21.

Pulp and paper, nonferrous metal, and iron and steel-oriented issues comprised those that declined the most by the morning break.