Around the World's Markets: Tokyo

THE NIKKEI 225 ended lower as the yen's recent strength sapped gains from export-oriented blue-chips, but losses were limited after the Bank of Japan intervened and sold yen for dollars, easing fears that the US dollar would slide below the key 100 yen level.

The index finished down 64.23 points, 0.34 per cent, at 18,850.27. December futures slipped 120 points to 18,820. Other indices were slightly up, with the broader Topix climbing 15.86 points, 0.95 per cent, to 1,686.20.