Nikkei ended down 1.6% at 10,473.97 and Topix down 1.2% at 964,23 in relatively thin volume with all subindexes lower on concerns over higher yen, weaknesses in Chinese stocks and profit-taking. Also, the market is limited by anticipation of the Sunday’s general election results and uncertainty over U.S. auto demand after end of cash for clunkers program.
Shares of shipping, steel, trading houses were weak after Wednesday’s gains.
JFE Holdings down 3.2%, Nippon Yusen down 1.5%, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines off 1.4% and Mitsui & Co. down 2.0%, Nippon Sheet Glass down 7,2%, Itochu off 3.1% but Pasona Group closed up 7.6% on news of new chairman who is the former Japan Finance Minister Heizo Takenaka.
Nikkei225
Topix
Best regards,
Analyst: Vladimir Donin