TOKYO, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks market ended lower Friday, pressured by exporter shares on a stronger yen, while caution prevailed before an envisaged parliamentary vote to pick Japan's new prime minister next week.
Japan's benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, ended down 695.59 points, or 1.44 percent, from Thursday at 47,582.15.
The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 32.98 points, or 1.03 percent, lower at 3,170.44.
Stocks were dragged down by export-oriented auto shares on the yen's appreciation, while banking issues drew selling following overnight losses on Wall Street, analysts said.
Meanwhile, the market was closely watching the prospect of ruling Liberal Democratic Party President Sanae Takaichi being elected prime minister in a parliamentary vote scheduled for Oct. 21. ■
