Tokyo's benchmark stock index ended lower on Thursday despite a strong rally on Wall Street overnight. All three major indexes in the US posted record highs following Donald Trump's projected win in the presidential election.

The Nikkei 225 finished at 39,381, down 0.25 percent. It briefly jumped 1 percent after the open. But some investors turned to selling to lock in profits.

The index had gained 1,005 points, or 2.6 percent, on Wednesday as early election results rolled in.

Analysts say many investors are carefully assessing what the former president's return to the White House will mean for the global economy. Trump has pledged tax cuts and steep tariffs on imports.