Tokyo stocks end mixed on Britain's plans for snap election

Tokyo stocks ended mixed Wednesday as Britain's surprise announcement of a snap election saw the yen rise against the U.S. dollar and zap investor sentiment, while bargain hunting provided some support.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average gained 13.61 points, or 0.07 percent, from Tuesday to close the day at 18,432.20.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, edged down 0.11 points, or 0.01 percent, lower to finish at 1,471.42.

Electric appliance and service issues comprised stocks that advanced the most by the close of play, in contrast to marine transportation and land transportation issues which made up the biggest decliners.

Advancing issues outnumbered declining ones by 1,043 to 820 on the First Section and trading volume on the main section on Tuesday came to 1,952.91 million shares, rising from Tuesday's volume of 1,575.22 million shares.

The day's turnover on the third trading day of the week came to 2,317 billion yen (21.30 billion U.S. dollars). Endit