Tokyo stocks open modestly lower on weak European markets

Tokyo stocks opened modestly lower Tuesday, weighed down by overnight falls in some European markets as energy supply concerns persist following a decision by Russia's Gazprom to keep its natural gas pipeline to Germany shut. In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fell 12.17 points, or 0.04 percent, from Monday to 27,607.44. The broader Topix index was down 1.89 points, or 0.10 percent, at 1,926.90. On the top-tier Prime Market, decliners were led by machinery, service, and air transportation issues. At 9 a.m., the dollar fetched 140.41-44 yen compared with 140....