Tokyo stocks close slightly lower as investors secure profits

Tokyo stocks closed marginally lower Tuesday as investors opted to secure profits following the benchmark Nikkei stock index's three-day winning streak.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended lost 42.03 points, or 0.18 percent, from Monday to close the day at 22,960.34.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. meanwhile, fell 4.18 points, or 0.23 percent, lower at 1,809.57.

Insurance, metal product and mining-linked issues comprised those that declined the most by the close of play.