TOKYO, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks ended mixed Monday, as heavyweight technology shares fell on concern over returns on huge investments in artificial intelligence (AI), while banking issues were lifted by prospects of higher interest rates.
The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average dropped 668.44 points, or 1.31 percent, from Friday to 50,168.11. The broader Topix index finished 7.64 points, or 0.22 percent, higher at 3,431.47, marking a record high close.
The main decliners were nonferrous metals and iron and steel issues, while land transportation and bank shares were notable gainers.
The Nikkei stock index stayed in negative territory throughout the day, briefly falling below the key 50,000 line, weighed down by heavy selling of semiconductor and AI-related issues, tracking losses of their U.S. counterparts late last week.
Meanwhile, the market was supported by the buying of bank and insurance shares on hopes for improved profits amid expectations for a Bank of Japan rate increase and higher long-term yields. ■
