Japan's key Nikkei stock index opened lower Tuesday after advancing for seven straight trading days through Monday, with export-oriented high-tech and automaker issues drawing selling following the yen's rise against the U.S. dollar.

In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fell 48.60 points, or 0.28 percent, to 17,284.71.

The broader Tokyo Stock Price Index of all the Tokyo Stock Exchange's First Section issues gained 0.15 points, or 0.01 percent, to 1,754.79. The Second Section rose.

Source: Xinhua