TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks opened slightly lower Wednesday, tracking overnight falls in U.S. and European markets, but the downside was limited by buying after the release of stronger-than-expected earnings from some tech firms.

In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fell 68.12 points, or 0.17 percent, from Tuesday to 39,307.97. The broader Topix index was down 2.38 points, or 0.09 percent, at 2,739.14.

On the top-tier Prime Market, decliners were led by pharmaceutical, consumer credit and transportation equipment issues.

At 9 a.m., the U.S. dollar fetched 154.67-68 yen compared with 154.57-67 yen in New York and 153.81-83 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Tuesday.

The euro was quoted at $1.0616-0617 and 164.20-22 yen against $1.0619-0629 and 164.25-35 yen in New York and $1.0630-0631 and 163.51-55 yen in Tokyo late Tuesday afternoon.