Tokyo stocks open mixed as Catalonia poll results in focus

TOKYO, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks opened mixed Friday amid reports suggesting pro-independence parties in Catalonia have won a narrow advantage as the region in Spain votes in a crucial poll.

As of 9:15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average shed 32.38 points, or 0.14 percent, from Thursday to 22,833.72.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, edged up 1.61 points, or 0.09 percent, at 1,824.22.

Pharmaceutical and precision instrument issues comprised issues that declined, while mining and marine transportation issues led those that gained the most in the opening minutes after the morning bell.