Tokyo stocks closed lower on Friday as investors took a wait-and-see attitude over a potential shutdown of the U.S. government and its possible impact.
Japan’s benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, lost 14.90 points, or 0.05 percent, from Thursday to close the day at 31,857.62, its lowest level since Aug. 25.
The broader Topix index, meanwhile, ended 22.12 points, or 0.94 percent, lower at 2,323.39.
Stocks traded lower most of the day in the Tokyo market as investors were reluctant to buy ahead of a possible U.S. government shutdown on Sunday. Analysts also expressed concerns over any further interest rate hikes by the U.S. Federal Reserve amid high crude oil prices.
On the top-tier prime market, decliners were led by marine transportation, iron and steel, and electric power and gas issues.
Issues that fell outpaced those that rose by 1,360 to 429, while 42 ended the day unchanged.