Japanese shares closed lower on Thursday. The Nikkei 225 declined 17.79 points, 0.16% to 11,389.35. The TOPIX slid 0.21% and closed at 1,149.51.

 

"Market sentiment is still very solid and buyers are eyeing a chance for buying ... but right now, we just don't see any clear factors," said Teruhisa Ishikawa from Mizuho Securities. "But again, the market's consensus is that Tokyo stocks are on course for a further rise. That's why hedge funds are busy scooping up selective stocks, although domestic institutional investors are mostly taking to the sidelines."

 

The U.S. Federal Reserve's decision Wednesday to increase its main interest rate had little impact on Japanese shares. Investors stayed on the sidelines ahead of the monthly U.S. jobs data and the G7 meeting in London later this week.

 

Advantest fell 30 yen, or 0.35% to 8590 yen, Canon rose 60 yen, or 1.2% to 5420 yen. NEC rallied 13 yen, or 2.17% to 613 yen.

 

Honda slid 20 yen, or 0,36% to 5460, Nissan Motor fell 1 yen, or 0.1% to 1099 yen, Toyota closed unchanged at 4060 yen.

 

Yto-Yokado slid 20 yen, or 0.49% to 4030 yen.

 

 

 

In the currency market, the euro declined to $1.3017 from $1.3038 in New York late Wednesday. The dollar rose to 104.24 yen, from $103.74.