roulettechips|Japan's Nikkei end lower over tech heavyweight losses

TOKYO, July 17 (Xinhua) -- Japan's benchmark Nikkei stock index closed lower on Wednesday over losses of tech heavyweights amid a cautious market sentimentroulettechips.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended down 177.39 points, or 0.43 percent, from Tuesday to close the day at 41,097.69.

The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 10.71 points, or 0.37 percent, higher at 2,915.21.

Market watchers here noted that investors sold semiconductor-related stocks to avoid risks over news that the United States is considering even stricter regulating rules.

Tokyo Electron temporarily played down more than 8 percent, with decreases in share prices of almost all semiconductor-related heavyweights, such as Advantest, SCREEN Holdings, and Lasertec here in Tokyo.

On the Prime Market, decliners were led by issues related to electric appliances and insurance.

Issues that advanced outpaced those that declined by 1,1142 to 453, while 50 ended the day unchanged.■