TOKYO, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks ended lower on Tuesday, with the benchmark Nikkei index falling for a fourth consecutive trading day, amid profit-taking and caution ahead of a parliamentary session.
The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended down 239.92 points, or 0.42 percent, from Monday at 56,566.49.
The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 25.83 points, or 0.68 percent, lower at 3,761.55.
On the stock market, investors locked in gains following last week's rally driven by the general election outcome and adopted a cautious stance before a parliamentary session starts on Wednesday, with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi scheduled to deliver a policy speech later in the week, analysts said. ■