TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo Stocks opened lower Monday, led by declines in auto and steel makers on the first trading day of 2025.

In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fell 141.70 points, or 0.36 percent, from Monday last week to 39,752.84. The broader Topix index was down 9.29 points, or 0.33 percent, at 2,775.63.

On the top-tier Prime Market, decliners were led by transportation equipment, iron and steel and food issues.

At 9 a.m., the U.S. dollar fetched 157.51-52 yen compared with 157.24-34 yen in New York at 5 p.m. on Friday. Japanese financial markets were closed from last Tuesday for the New Year holidays.

The euro was quoted at $1.0305-0306 and 162.30-36 yen against $1.0304-0314 and 162.15-25 yen in New York late Friday afternoon.