Around the World's Markets: Tokyo

THE JAPANESE stock market fell slightly as investors locked in profits made on rises following an improved outlook shown by the recent Tankan business survey.

But traders said any falls would be limited by strong investor appetite to pick up small-cap stocks every time the market dipped.

The Nikkei 225 average ended down 91.83 points or 0.51 per cent at 17,958.90. September Nikkei futures lost 110 points to close at 18,000.