Japanese stocks were mixed in Monday morning trading as investors waited for the release of Japanese and US economic data this week.
The markets were also closed Monday in the United States and Britain, adding to the directionless trading, which saw the major indices little changed from their close Friday.
The benchmark Nikkei 225 Stock Average lost 4.55 points, or 0.05 per cent, to trade at 9,517.39. The broader—based Topix index was up 0.24 points, or 0.03 per cent, at 825.14.
Weighing on sentiment were lingering concerns about Europe’s debt problems and a US economic recovery after purchases of homes there fell more than expected. Traders also worried over a rise in the yen against the dollar, which makes Japanese goods more expensive in the US and reduces earnings there when they are repatriated.
Scheduled for release this week are reports on US and Japanese unemployment and Japanese industrial production.
On currency markets at 9 am (0000 GMT), the dollar traded at 80.87—91 yen, down from Friday’s 5 pm quote of 80.98—99 yen.
The euro traded at 1.4289—92 dollars, up from 1.4251—53 dollars Friday, and at 115.55—60 yen, up from 115.42—45 yen.
