Nikkei index directionless in morning as eyes on US CPI data
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Nikkei stock index was directionless Wednesday morning as investors refrained from buying actively ahead of the release of the U.
The Nikkei stock index remained directionless on Wednesday morning as traders refrained from making significant purchases prior to the release of U.S. consumer price data. The 225-share Nikkei Stock Average climbed 69.96 points, or 0.10 percent, to 67,040.18. The wider Topix index added 13.80 points, or 0.34 percent, to 4,114.41. Japanese markets had been on a holiday on Tuesday.
The U.S. dollar remained robust around 159 yen in Tokyo, supported by safe-haven demand due to Middle East tensions and uncertainties surrounding talks between the U.S. and Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. In New York, the dollar was trading around 159.39-40 yen at noon, compared to 159.23-33 yen in the previous trading session.
Market participants displayed caution as the U.S. consumer price index for July was scheduled to be released later in the day. Analysts noted that the market's uncertainty extended to whether the Federal Reserve would accelerate interest rate hikes. However, the market found support from some semiconductor-related shares that benefited from overnight gains in their U.S. counterparts.
Written by urgent.news from The Mainichi's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
