TOKYO, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks ended mixed Thursday, with the Nikkei index losing more than 2 percent as chip-related shares drew selling, while the broader market was supported by optimism about the Japanese and U.S. economies following recent upbeat data.
The benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, ended down 1,741.81 points, or 2.47 percent, from Wednesday at 68,733.15, snapping a three-day winning streak.
The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 3.48 points, or 0.09 percent, higher at 4,014.98.
On the stock market, the Nikkei index plunged as heavyweight semiconductor-related shares tracked overnight declines in their U.S. counterparts amid lingering caution after recent gains.
However, the broader market remained relatively firm throughout the day, helped by optimism over the Japanese and U.S. economies following the release of the Bank of Japan's quarterly Tankan survey and U.S. private-sector employment data for June from payroll processor ADP, analysts said. ■
