Tokyo stocks open lower amid concerns over future course of Abe's administration

TOKYO, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks opened lower Monday despite a strong lead from Wall Street late last week and concerns about the future course of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's administration amid a cronyism scandal dampened investor sentiment.

As of 9:15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average lost 49.55 points, or 0.23 percent, from Friday to 21,626.96.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, dropped 3.48 points, or 0.20 percent, at 1,733.15.

Food, bank and service-linked issues comprised those that declined the most in the opening minutes after the morning bell.