Japanese shares flat on profit-taking
By DPA, IANSMonday, February 14, 2011
TOKYO - Japanese stocks were flat in Tuesday morning trading as investors sold shares to lock in quick profits after the previous day’s gains.
The benchmark Nikkei 225 Stock Average added 0.28 points, or 0.003 percent, to 10,725.82 while the broader Topix index was up 1.57 points, or 0.16 percent, at 960.76.
Investors were also awaiting the outcome of the Bank of Japan’s two-day policy meeting. The bank was expected to raise its economic assessment later in the day.
The Nikkei rose 1.13 percent Monday, ending above the 10,700-level for the first time in nine and a half months.
On currency markets at 9 a.m. (0000 GMT), the dollar traded at 83.41-44 yen, up from Monday’s 5 p.m. quote of 83.17-20 yen.
The euro traded at $1.3480-3481, down from $1.3536-3539 Monday, and at 112.45-46 yen, down from 112.60-64 yen.
