Tokyo stocks open flat on weak yen, U.S. shares' retreat

TOKYO, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks opened essentially flat on Wednesday as buying on the back of a weaker yen versus the U.S. dollar was counteracted by selling on U.S. shares retreating overnight on Wall Street.

As of 9:15 a.m, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average shed 13.15 points, or 0.06 percent, from Tuesday to 21,911.95.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, edged down 0.25 point, or 0.01 percent, at 1,762.20.

Securities, pharmaceutical, information and communication issues comprised notable decliners.

Iron and steel, oil and coal products and sea transport-linked issues led those that gained the most in the opening minutes after the morning bell.