TOKYO, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks opened lower on Tuesday as the yen's appreciation against the U.S. dollar hurt exporter issues and dented market sentiment.

As of 9:15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average lost 79.13 points, or 0.34 percent, from Monday to 23,337.63.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, fell 2.84 points, or 0.17 percent, at 1,697.88.

Mining, machinery and nonferrous metal-oriented issues comprised those that declined the most in the opening minutes after the morning bell.

(Photo: VCG)