TOKYO, April 9 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks fell on Thursday as investors opted to lock in gains following the previous day's surge, while caution persisted over whether the ceasefire between the United States and Iran would hold.
The benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, ended down 413.10 points, or 0.73 percent, from Wednesday at 55,895.32. The broader Topix index finished 33.83 points, or 0.90 percent, lower at 3,741.47.
On the top-tier Prime Market, air transportation, retail and real estate issues were notable decliners.
Stocks briefly rose in early trading as overnight Wall Street gains kept sentiment upbeat, but profit-taking to lock in gains gradually took the upper hand.
Analysts said upward momentum was limited as investors stayed on the sidelines to see developments in the ceasefire ahead of peace talks between the United States and Iran scheduled to begin later this week in Islamabad. ■
