TOKYO, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks declined on Thursday, driven by a combination of renewed uncertainty over U.S. trade policy, a stronger yen, and profit-taking after recent gains.
The benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, closed at 38,173.09, down 248.10 points, or 0.65 percent, from the previous trading day.
Selling pressure from foreign short-term investors in index futures pushed the Nikkei's intraday losses beyond 300 points at one stage.
In the United States, the Nasdaq Composite, heavily weighted toward tech stocks, ended its four-day winning streak. Additionally, the U.S. consumer price index for May came in below market expectations, prompting the yen to strengthen to the 143-yen-per-dollar range.
In Tokyo, concerns over the yen's appreciation hurting export competitiveness led to selling in automakers such as Toyota.
The broader TOPIX index also fell for the first time in five sessions, ending 5.75 points, or 0.21 percent, lower at 2,782.97.
On the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market, 986 fell, 564 rose, and 79 remained unchanged. ■
