Japan Shares Close Lower Ahead of Fed Policy Meeting

Japanese stocks closed lower on Tuesday as investors were reluctant ahead of an important meeting of the US Federal Reserve, which may reveal more of its plans to scale back stimulus measures and raise interest rates.

The Nikkei index fell 0.43 percent to 29,520.90 points, a day after it achieved its biggest daily gain since June after a strong electoral victory for the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

The broader Topix index fell 0.64 percent to 2,031.67 points.

The Federal Reserve is due to announce its policy decision at the end of its two-day meeting on Wednesday, when Japanese markets will be closed for a public holiday.