TOKYO, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks ended lower Monday, as export-oriented issues were pressured by the yen's appreciation, while investors unloaded shares after securing dividend rights before the end of the fiscal first half.
Japan's benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, ended down 311.24 points, or 0.69 percent, from Friday at 45,043.75.
The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 55.45 points, or 1.74 percent, lower at 3,131.57.
The U.S. dollar weakened to the upper 148 yen range in Tokyo, as U.S. inflation-related data on Friday eased concerns over an acceleration of inflation and fueled expectations of further interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.
On the stock market, the benchmark Nikkei index briefly fell below the 45,000 line as exporters drew selling on a firmer yen, while investors sold shares in companies whose business years end on March 31 after the deadline passed Friday to become eligible for midterm dividend payments, analysts said. ■