TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks fell Wednesday morning as a stronger yen fueled selling of exporters, erasing earlier gains led by technology issues tracking advances in their U.S. counterparts overnight.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fell 71.18 points, or 0.18 percent, from Tuesday to 38,727.19. The broader Topix index was down 0.03 point at 2,737.99.

The U.S. dollar fell to the lower 153 yen range in Tokyo, as weaker-than-expected U.S. job openings data fueled prospects of additional interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, dealers said.

The yen was also bought as speculation grew about rate hikes by the Bank of Japan coming sooner than expected after data showed Japan's real wages rose in December for a second straight month.

At noon, the dollar fetched 153.36-39 yen compared with 154.28-38 yen in New York and 155.32-34 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Tuesday.

The euro was quoted at $1.0384-0385 and 159.26-33 yen against $1.0375-0385 and 160.11-21 yen in New York and $1.0311-0312 and 160.16-20 yen in Tokyo late Tuesday afternoon.

The Nikkei benchmark initially rose over 300 points, as fears of global trade instability were eased after U.S. President Donald Trump delayed tariffs against neighbors Mexico and Canada.

But the market was later weighed down by the yen's appreciation triggering selling of export-heavy electronics and machinery stocks. A stronger yen reduces profit expectations for exporters repatriating overseas earnings.