Nikkei Stocks Dip Down

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The Nikkei stock index slipped below the 14,000 mark for the first time in nearly one month Monday morning in Tokyo as the yen firmed against the U.S. dollar amid speculations that the U.S. Fed will maintain its current loose monetary policy longer than expected.

At 9:15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average was down 264.43 points, or 1.87 percent, from Friday at 13,865.55, the lowest intraday level since July 1. The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange was down 25.63 points, or 2.20 percent, at 1,141.43.

Stocks fell across the board led by export-oriented firms as sentiment was dented by the dollar's fall below the 98 yen line, brokers said.