TOKYO, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks ended lower on Friday, with the Nikkei index extending its losing streak to the fourth day to end at a fresh three-week low, as the yen's recent strength pressured exporters while caution prevailed before the release of U.S. jobs data later in the day.
Japan's benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, ended down 265.62 points, or 0.72 percent, from Thursday at 36,391.47, its lowest level since Aug. 13.
The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 23.34 points, or 0.89 percent, lower at 2,597.42.
On the stock market, the Nikkei benchmark was weighed down by technology shares that tracked an overnight decline on a key U.S. semiconductor index, while a stronger yen against the U.S. dollar weighed on export-oriented shares, analysts said.
Market watchers here noted that investors were also cautious and refrained from taking aggressive positions as they awaited the release of the U.S. jobs data for August due out later in the day to gauge whether the U.S. economy is on a path toward a recession. ■