TOKYO, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks fell on Monday as speculation grew that the Japanese central bank could further tweak its ultra-loose monetary policy.

Japan's benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, ended down 259.81 points, or 0.83 percent, from Friday at 30,999.55.

The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 16.84 points, or 0.75 percent, lower at 2,238.81.

Tokyo stocks drop on selling fueled by speculation that the Bank of Japan (BOJ) could further shift its ultra-loose monetary policy following the previous revision in July that made its yield cap program more flexible, allowing long-term yields to rise toward 1.0 percent, analysts said.

On the top-tier Prime Market, decliners were led by oil and coal product, mining and iron and steel issues.

Refiner Eneos Holdings slipped 17 yen, or 3.0 percent, to 548 yen, and Idemitsu Kosan fell 79 yen, or 2.4 percent, to 3,253 yen. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)