Around the World's Markets: Tokyo

STOCKS fell for the fourth time in five days on concern opposition parties' resistance to the government's financial bills will stymie progress on reviving Japan's ailing banking system.

The opposition, which will submit alternative proposals, boycotted yesterday's debate in parliament on the government-drafted bank bills, and will meet the ruling Liberal Democratic Party today. The Nikkei 225 stock index shed 114.89 points or 0.76 per cent to 14,958.04.