Despite the record surge in U.S. high-tech stocks overnight, the Tokyo Stock Exchange began 2001 on a lackluster note Thursday, with an initial rally fizzling out.
The benchmark 225-issue Nikkei average ended the half-day session down 94.20 points at 13,691.49.
The bourse began the day by ringing in the new century with its traditional hand-clapping ceremony, but the festivities lacked conviction that better days lie ahead.