TOKYO, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed lower on Tuesday, with the benchmark Nikkei stock index shedding more than 2 percent, as stalled U.S.-Iran talks as well as rising crude oil prices and bond yields weighed on investor sentiment.
The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended down 1,759.52 points, or 2.54 percent, from Monday at 67,460.73.
The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 43.89 points, or 1.05 percent, lower at 4,140.22.
On the top-tier Prime Market, electric appliance, metal product, and glass and ceramics product issues were notable decliners.
Tokyo stocks came under renewed selling pressure after a 60-day negotiating period between the United States and Iran expired on Monday without a breakthrough, raising concerns that the Middle East conflict could reignite.
West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures climbed above 80 U.S. dollars per barrel, while subsequent rises in the benchmark 10-year Japanese government bond yields added further pressure on equities. Real estate stocks were particularly hard hit, with some falling to their lowest levels of the year, analysts said.
Losses widened in the afternoon trading as investors took profits on artificial intelligence- and semiconductor-related shares following their recent rally, ending the Nikkei's five-day winning streak. ■