Nikkei down on economy worry, brushes off strong data

TOKYO, Sep 22 (Reuters) The Nikkei share average fell 0.81 percent in early trading on Friday as concerns about a slowdown in the global economy encouraged investors to unload Toyota Motor Corp. and other blue chip shares.

Trading got off to a feeble start despite strong economic data released just before the opening.

Japan's business survey index (BSI) on sentiment at large manufacturers in the July-September quarter came in at plus 12.7, compared with plus 1.4 in April-June, indicating companies were more confident about business conditions.

The Nikkei average was down 128.42 points at 15,705.81 as of 0003 GMT. The broader TOPIX index also fell 0.74 percent to 1,568.32.

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