TOKYO, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Japan's key stock index fell on Wednesday as weakness in U.S. tech shares the previous day and profit-taking near record highs pressured the market.
The benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, closed down 215.89 points, or 0.45 percent, at 47,734.99.
With the index hovering close to the 48,000-point threshold, investors locked in gains, particularly in major semiconductor and growth stocks such as SoftBank Group and Advantest, which had driven the recent rally.
Meanwhile, expectations that newly elected LDP President Sanae Takaichi will pursue expansionary fiscal policies sent the yen sharply lower against the dollar.
The weaker yen spurred buying in export-oriented stocks, including automakers, providing temporary support and lifting the Nikkei into positive territory at times.
The TOPIX index extended its winning streak to a fourth session, rising 7.75 points, or 0.24 percent, to 3,235.66.
On the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market, decliners outnumbered gainers 999 to 557, with 60 issues unchanged. ■
