TOKYO - Tokyo stocks opened 0.28 percent lower on Thursday amid investor caution ahead of key monetary policy decisions in Europe.

The Nikkei 225 index at the Tokyo Stock Exchange opened down 25.71 points at 9,078.46.

US markets were closed Wednesday for the July 4th Independence Day holiday.

European stock markets were little changed and the euro slipped against the dollar as investors waited for key announcements by the European Central Bank and Bank of England.

Markets expect an ECB rate cut on Thursday along with a decision by the BoE to pump out an additional £50 billion (S$99 billion) in stimulus to boost recession-hit Britain.

The euro bought $1.2518 and 100.00 yen in early Asian trade on Thursday, hardly changed from $1.2527 and 99.97 in London on Wednesday afternoon.

The dollar was quoted at 79.93 yen against 79.80 yen in London.