TOKYO, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks opened lower Wednesday as investors opted to lock in gains after the benchmark Nikkei stock index's recent 30-year closing highs.

As of 9:15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average lost 239.42 points, or 0.79 percent, from Tuesday to 30,228.33.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, fell 5.72 points, or 0.29 percent, at 1,959.36.

Rubber product, information and communication, and construction issues comprised those that declined the most in the opening minutes after the morning bell.