TOKYO, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks ended slightly higher Tuesday, as bank and other financial shares continued to draw buying before investors moved to lock in gains after recent sharp advances.
The benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, ended up 10.48 points, or 0.02 percent, from Monday at 50,412.87.
The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 18.08 points, or 0.53 percent, higher at 3,423.25.
The yen briefly strengthened to the upper 155 level against the U.S. dollar on Tuesday on growing concern over a possible intervention by Japanese authorities following recent depreciation.
The market was weighed down by the selling of exporter shares on a firmer yen, while investors locked in gains in heavyweight technology issues after the benchmark Nikkei advanced more than 1,400 points over the past two trading days.
However, the stock market was supported by bank and other financial shares that continued to attract buying on speculation that the rate-hike stance of the Bank of Japan would improve their profitability, analysts said. ■
