Tokyo stocks end lower on US stocks fall

Tokyo stocks ended lower Thursday, following weaker U.S. equities after the Federal Reserve's statement fanned speculation that it may start tapering its stimulus program sooner than market expectations. The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average lost 174.41 points, or 1.20 percent, from Wednesday at 14,327.94. The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange was down 10.24 points, or 0.85 percent, at 1, 194.26. Decliners were led by sea transport, paper and securities shares, while gainers included mining, glass and pharmaceutical companies. The turnover was about 2,038.4 billion yen (about 20.72 billion U.S. dollars).