Nikkei opens up but quickly slips into negative

Tokyo, Aug 13: The Nikkei average started the session 0.2 per cent higher on Monday with TDK Corp. and other recent losers gaining ground after U.S. stocks made up for early losses on Friday and the yen softened.

But the benchmark soon slipped back into negative territory.

Japan's economy grew 0.1 per cent in April-June from the previous quarter, government data showed just before the start of trade, falling just short of market expectations for a 0.2 per cent increase.

The Nikkei opened up 27.71 points at 16,791.80, but was down 0.2 per cent at 16727.04 as of 0010 GMT.

The broader TOPIX index fell 0.1 per cent to 1,632.20 by 0010 GMT.

The benchmark finished Friday down more than 2 per cent at its lowest close since March 16, and the TOPIX logged the lowest close this year, passing the year-low finish booked on Jan.11.

REUTERS>