Tokyo Stocks End Down As Much Of Asia Rests

Tokyo's stocks closed down Tuesday after three straight gains as several blue-chips including Uniqlo operator Fast Retailing faced heavy selling pressure.

The Nikkei 225 index fell 0.19 percent to 20,844, but the broader Topix index rose 0.10 percent to 1,583.

Most Asian markets were closed for Lunar New Year, though Japanese, Australian and New Zealand traders started the day taking a positive lead from Wall Street.

Wall Street stocks rose again on Monday, partly due to reassurances from the Federal Reserve of a cautious approach to further interest rate hikes, positive commentary by Beijing and Washington on trade talks and a solid earnings season.

Financial markets in mainland China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan are closed on Tuesday for the Lunar New Year holiday. (AFP)

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