Nikkei slips as Sony, INPEX decline

TOKYO, Jan 10 (Reuters) The Nikkei share average slipped 0.26 percent at the start of trade on Wednesday as investors took profits from Sony Corp.'s rally in the previous session while energy firms such as INPEX Holdings Inc. were hit by lower crude prices.

The Nikkei was down 56.54 points at 17,181.23 as of 0006 GMT.

The broader TOPIX index was down 0.36 percent at 1,686.06.

Reuters DKS VP0617