TOKYO, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) - Tokyo stocks closed lower Monday as investors locked in gains after the Nikkei index reached an intraday high in 33 years.
Japan's benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, ended down 197.17 points, or 0.59 percent, from Friday to close the day at 33,388.03.
The index briefly climbed to its highest level since March 1990 during the morning session on Monday.
Meanwhile, the broader Topix index finished 18.45 points, or 0.77 percent, lower at 2,372.6.
Market watchers here noted that major exporters including export-heavy auto issues also suffered losses as a firm yen spurred selling on Monday, while investors were encouraged to lock in profits with the Nikkei reaching a multi-decade high.
On the top-tier Prime Market, decliners were led by transportation equipment, nonferrous metal and rubber product issues.
Issues that fell outpaced those that rose by 1,110 to 521, while 28 ended the day unchanged. ■