Tokyo stocks lose ground in morning on concerns for US economy ahead of jobs data

Tokyo stocks lost ground Friday morning as selling was promoted by nerves about the health of the US economy as investors keenly eye the U.S. nonfarm payrolls report for April due to be released later today.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average lost 115.66 points, or 0.72 percent, from Monday to 16,031.72.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, fell 8.29 points, or 0.64 percent, at 1,291.67.

Notable decliners by the morning break comprised securities, marine transportation and iron and steel-related issues.

Markets in Tokyo were closed from Tuesday to Thursday for the Golden Week string of national holidays.