TOKYO, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks ended slightly higher Tuesday amid a wait-and-see mood ahead of the deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump for Iran to make a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, ended up 15.88 points, or 0.03 percent, from Monday at 53,429.56. The broader Topix index finished 9.22 points, or 0.25 percent, higher at 3,654.02.
On the top-tier Prime Market, oil and coal products, real estate, and glass and ceramic product issues were notable gainers.
The stock market opened on a firm note as optimism lingered following reports that the United States, Iran and regional mediators were in talks over a potential 45-day ceasefire that could pave the way for a permanent end to the conflict.
But analysts said uncertainty over the situation in the Middle East ahead of the Tuesday deadline set by Trump for Iran to make a deal made it difficult for investors to trade actively.
Investors turned cautious in the afternoon, with stocks slipping below the opening level on thin trading volume as market participation waned. ■