TOKYO, May 22 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks ended lower Thursday, with the benchmark Nikkei index closing at a two-week low, led by selling of export-oriented shares on a firmer yen amid fears about the deterioration of U.S. fiscal health.
Japan's benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, ended down 313.11 points, or 0.84 percent, from Wednesday at 36,985.87, its lowest level since May 8.
The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 15.79 points, or 0.58 percent, lower at 2,717.09.
The U.S. dollar fell to the lower 143 yen range in Tokyo as the yen was bought following a poor Treasury auction amid concern over the United States' growing debt, analysts said.
The Japanese currency strengthened further against the U.S. dollar following a meeting between Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, brokers said.
On the stock market, export-linked auto issues were sold on the yen's appreciation, while heavyweight tech shares also fell due to a rise in Japanese long-term interest rates. ■
