TOKYO, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks ended mixed on Monday, with the benchmark Nikkei at a fresh closing high above the 40,000 threshold on firm technology stocks.
Japan's benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, ended up 198.41 points, or 0.50 percent, from Friday at 40,109.23, after it briefly hit a record intraday high of 40,314.64.
The broader Topix index, meanwhile, was down 3.14 points, or 0.12 percent, at 2,706.28.
The Nikkei index has gained over 1,000 points since Feb. 22 when it topped record highs marked in 1989, attracting domestic and foreign investment amid expectations for favorable corporate earnings boosted by a weak yen, analysts said.
While passing the 40,000 line likely reflects the upbeat performance of Japanese companies, local traders pointed out that whether the Nikkei will be able to sustain its upward momentum in the near term is uncertain given its rapid advance.
On the top-tier Prime Market, gainers were led by precision instrument and mining issues, while marine transportation and rubber product issues led decliners. ■
