TOKYO, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks lost ground Thursday morning as minutes showing the U.S. Federal Reserve remained circumspect about the timing of its rate hike, coupled with a firm yen against the U.S. dollar made for a dour market mood.
The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average lost 67.80 points, or 0.35 percent, from Wednesday to 19,312.07.
The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, dropped 5.46 points, or 0.35 percent, to 1,551.63.
Notable decliners by the morning break comprised bank, securities and nonferrous metal-linked shares.
