Tokyo stocks were lower in early trading Thursday as semiconductor-related shares fell, tracking overnight losses on Wall Street following weaker-than-expected earnings from Dutch semiconductor equipment maker ASML Holding N.V.

In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fell 267.55 points, or 0.70 percent, from Wednesday to 37,694.25. The broader Topix index was down 8.48 points, or 0.32 percent, at 2,654.67.

On the top-tier Prime Market, decliners were led by mining, real estate and machinery shares.

At 9 a.m., the U.S. dollar fetched 154.32-35 yen compared with 154.35-45 yen in New York and 154.61-63 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Wednesday.

The euro was quoted at $1.0667-0671 and 164.64-69 yen against $1.0668-0678 and 164.72-82 yen in New York, and $1.0625-0626 and 164.28-32 yen in Tokyo late Wednesday afternoon.

==Kyodo

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