TOKYO, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed lower on Monday, driven by profit-taking in high-priced semiconductor and other recently strong-performing stocks amid lingering concerns over political uncertainty and mixed corporate earnings.
The benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, closed at 40,998.27, down 457.96 points or 1.1 percent, from the previous trading day.
Despite an initial uptick supported by Wall Street gains and a U.S.-EU trade agreement, the market quickly reversed course and trended downward throughout the day.
Major stocks such as semiconductor firms and banks faced notable selling pressure, contributing to the broader decline.
The broader Topix index also dropped, losing 21.13 points, or 0.72 percent, to 2,930.73.
Of the listed stocks on the Tokyo Prime Market, declining issues outnumbered gainers 860 to 695, with 70 stocks unchanged. ■
