TOKYO, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed mixed Tuesday, as a sell-off in heavyweight technology shares and higher crude oil prices dragged the benchmark Nikkei stock index lower, while firm bank stocks lent support to the broader market.
The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average shed 1,253.40 points, or 1.82 percent, from Friday to end at 67,777.52.
The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 5.86 points, or 0.14 percent, higher at 4,110.67.
Japanese markets were closed Monday for a public holiday.
The Nikkei tumbled in the morning session as heavyweight technology shares came under selling pressure following overnight losses in their U.S. counterparts. The index has fallen for four straight trading days.
Market sentiment was further dented by escalating tensions in the Middle East, which pushed West Texas Intermediate crude futures above 90 U.S. dollars per barrel and heightened concerns over energy supply stability and mounting cost pressures.
The Topix, by contrast, clawed back earlier losses to end in positive territory as buying rotated out of tech stocks into banks and other sectors. ■