This file photo shows the Tokyo Stock Exchange. (Mainichi)

       TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks opened lower Wednesday as investor sentiment was hurt by an International Monetary Fund downgrade of growth estimates for the Japanese and global economy in 2021.

       In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average shed 124.40 points, or 0.44 percent, from Tuesday to 28,106.21. The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange was down 6.56 points, or 0.33 percent, at 1,976.12.

       Decliners were led by marine transportation, iron and steel, and mining issues.

       At 9 a.m., the dollar fetched 113.54-55 yen compared with 113.56-66 yen in New York and 113.29-30 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Tuesday. In New York, the U.S. currency briefly rose to a nearly three-year high of 113.78 yen.

       The euro was quoted at $1.1531-1531 and 130.92-96 yen against $1.1525-1535 and 130.95-131.05 yen in New York and $1.1555-1556 and 130.91-95 yen in Tokyo late Tuesday afternoon.

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