TOKYO, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks ended mixed Tuesday as initial gains buoyed by overnight rises in U.S. shares and a pullback in oil futures were eroded by selling amid persistent concerns over the Middle East conflict.
The benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, ended down 50.76 points, or 0.09 percent, from Monday at 53,700.39.
The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 16.34 points, or 0.45 percent, higher at 3,627.07.
On the top-tier Prime Market, marine transportation and mining issues led the gains, while nonferrous metal and glass and ceramics products were notable decliners.
The West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures retreated overnight after supply concerns eased following reports that Iran allowed some vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, giving Tokyo stocks an initial lift.
The Nikkei briefly rose over 600 points, tracking Wall Street's overnight gains, before falling back into negative territory in afternoon trading.
The index began to lose ground as oil futures rebounded during Asian trading hours, hitting heavyweight technology shares particularly hard. ■
