TOKYO, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed mixed on Monday as uncertainty surrounding the situation in the Middle East kept investors cautious.
The benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, ended up 290.19 points, or 0.55 percent, from Friday at 53,413.68. The broader Topix index finished 0.39 point, or 0.01 percent, lower at 3,644.80.
On the top-tier Prime Market, marine transportation and nonferrous metal issues led the gains, while mining and electric power and gas shares were notable decliners.
Analysts said investor sentiment was lifted by reports that the United States, Iran, and regional mediators are discussing a potential 45-day ceasefire. The market was also bolstered after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said in a social media post on Sunday that the country has secured enough naphtha, a crude oil-derived raw material essential for plastics production, to meet four months of demand.
However, with the situation in the Middle East still uncertain, investors moved to lock in gains and remained on the sidelines awaiting further developments, analysts said. ■
