Around the World's Markets: Tokyo

SHARES IN Japan extended early losses to end lower in subdued trading, amid market concern over the lack of swift decision-making by the government to revive Japan's ailing economy. The benchmark Nikkei 225 fell 219.40 points to end at 14,121.97, the low for the day.

In addition to disappointment that the government might delay proposed tax cut plans, the finance minister, Kiichi Miyazawa, also dampened sentiment by saying it would be difficult to cut the consumption tax. Banks, which had risen recently, fell on profit taking.