Tokyo's Nikkei 225 stock index fell on Thursday. The decline came after record highs two days in a row.
The benchmark edged 0.4 percent lower to end at 54,110. Investors offloaded shares such as semiconductor-related companies. The index gained back part of its earlier losses before the close.
The Nikkei 225 had added more than 3,200 points or 6.3 percent over the three trading days ending Wednesday. That was on expectations for the stimulus policies of Japan's Takaichi administration. The weaker yen was also a factor.
Meanwhile, the broader TOPIX rose nearly 0.7 percent with auto and financial shares leading the way. It has set a record high for the third straight day.

Quiz 1:
What primarily caused the Nikkei 225 to fall on Thursday?
A. Expectations for stimulus policies.
B. Investors selling off shares, particularly those related to semiconductors.
C. A strengthening of the Yen.
D. A decline in auto and financial shares.

Quiz 2:
Approximately how many points did the Nikkei 225 gain over the three trading days ending Wednesday?
A. 2,500 points
B. 3,000 points
C. 3,200 points
D. 4,000 points

Quiz 3:
Which sector of the market led the way for the broader TOPIX index to rise?
A. Auto and financial shares
B. Semiconductor-related companies
C. Technology companies
D. Real estate companies

[Answer block]
Answers:
Quiz 1: B
Quiz 2: C
Quiz 3: A