Nikkei falls as exporters, brokerages decline

TOKYO, Apr 12 (Reuters) The Nikkei average fell 0.73 percent on Thursday as Canon Inc and other exporters dropped on concern about the U.S. economy, and slowing trade volume put shares of brokerage firms under pressure.

Taiyo Yuden Co. Ltd. became the worst Nikkei 225 performer, down 4 percent to 2,515 yen, for its plan to issue a 20 billion yen convertible bond, fuelling future supply concern.

The Nikkei was down 129.65 points at 17,540.42. The TOPIX lost 0.74 percent to 1,726.18.

REUTERS SKB KN1201