Tokyo  - Stocks ended lower on Thursday as Tokyo market players sold shares to lock in profit from recent gains.

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average lost 94.45 points, or 0.65 per cent, to close at 14,341.12.

The broader Topix index of all first-section issues was also down 6.02 points, or 0.42 per cent, at 1,424.45.

On currency markets at midday (0300 GMT), the dollar was quoted at 105.48-53 yen, up from Wednesday's 5 pm quote of 104.89-91 yen.

The euro was quoted at 1.5398-5403 dollars, down from Wednesday's 5 pm quote of 1.5440-42 dollars, and at 162.40-45 yen, up from 161.96-162.00 yen. (dpa)