Japan's key Nikkei stock index reversed its early gains, boosted by receding concerns over higher U.S. interest rates, and ended Thursday slightly lower as investors moved to lock in profits from recent gainers toward the end of the day's session.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fell 50.52 points, or 0.31 percent, to 16,020.84.

The index climbed more than 250 points the previous day to end above the key 16,000 line for the first time in three months.

Meanwhile, the Tokyo Stock Price Index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange managed to extend its winning streak to a fourth day, ending at 1,631.46, up 1.73 points, or 0. 11 percent.

Declining issues slightly led advancing ones 799 to 767, with 129 ending unchanged.

Nippon Steel was the most heavily traded issue by both value and volume, rising 14 yen to 484 yen.

Trading volume on the TSE's main section increased to 2,289.46 million shares from Wednesday's 1,818.39 million shares.

The TSE's Second Section index rose 26.89 points, or 0.63 percent, to 4,319.62 on a volume of 105.14 million shares. In Osaka, the near-term September Nikkei 225 index futures contract retreated 20 points to 16,040.

Source: Xinhua