Japanese stocks reversed course to close as well on Wednesday 17th November, as concerns about rising costs and a weaker yen outweighed the positive impact of a rally in technology stocks.
The Nikkei index fell 0.4% to 2,9688.33 points, while Topix fell 0.6% to 2,038.34 points.
Speaking of currency splits, which affected the index, the dollar rose to its highest level in 4½ years against the yen after the stronger-than-expected US retail sales data.