Around the World's Markets: Tokyo

THE NIKKEI 225 ended 0.3 per cent down at 18,198, after an early rally led by hi-tech stocks petered out amid caution over US interest rates. "The growth stocks will remain on an uptrend, but some people took to the sidelines ahead of the FOMC," one strategist said.

Internet investor Softbank extended its rally, rising 7 per cent, amid hopes that its possible entry into the banking industry will lift its profit. It has filed to take over the failed Nippon Credit Bank along with a retailer and an insurer.