Japan’s Nikkei closed lower amid caution ahead of important interest rate decisions

The Japanese Nikkei index closed lower on Tuesday, with heavy technology stocks leading the losers, as risk appetite was affected by caution ahead of interest rate decisions from major global central banks, including the Bank of Japan.

The Nikkei fell 0.06 percent to close at 32,682.51 points, after a decline of 0.6 percent earlier in the session.

The broader Topix index closed, up 0.18 percent, at 2,285.38 points.

Expectations are broadly that the Bank of Japan will keep its policy of adopting ultra-low interest rates unchanged at its two-day meeting, which begins on Thursday.

The Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates by 25 basis points at its monetary policy meeting on Wednesday.