TOKYO: Tokyo stocks closed 0.15 percent lower Wednesday after losses on Wall Street and as the dollar took a breather from its recent rise against the yen.
The benchmark Nikkei 225 index edged down 21.52 points to 14,567.16, while the Topix index of all first-section shares slipped 0.10 percent, or 1.22 points, to 1,204.19.
"There is little foreign interest in the broader market, as the dollar's run is seen petering out some time soon without more fundamental data to support hope for a near-term start to the Fed's tapering programme," said a director of equity trading at a foreign brokerage.
The US unit has enjoyed a pick-up in the past few days as positive US economic data fuelled speculation that the Federal Reserve will start tapering its stimulus programme as soon as next month.
The dollar bought 99.48 yen in Wednesday afternoon trade, from 99.62 yen in New York Tuesday.
Banks were encouraged by Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group's good results and forecast a hike ahead of more results Thursday from Mizuho and Mitsubishi UFJ.
Sumitomo Mitsui rose 1.64 percent to 4,945 yen. Mizuho went up 0.95 percent to 212 yen and Mitsubishi UFJ climbed 1.43 percent to 635 yen.
Exporters were mixed, with Sony up 2.70 percent to 1,746 yen and Panasonic was down 0.90 percent to 991 yen.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average, which hit a record high Monday, ended 0.21 percent lower on Tuesday. (AFP)
