Tokyo stocks essentially flat in morning as investors eye U.S. jobs data

TOKYO, July 5 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks were essentially flat Friday morning as investors hit the sidelines to await the June U.S. non-farm payroll report for possible insights into the U.S. Federal Reserve's rate hike plans.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average edged down 10.73 points, or 0.05 percent, from Thursday to 21,691.72.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, shed 0.51 point, or 0.03 percent, at 1,589.27.

Mining, farm and fishery issues led notable decliners, while retail and insurance-linked issues comprised those that gained the most by the morning break.