Japanese Nikkei index closed higher

Japan’s Nikkei index closed slightly higher on Monday, supported by gains in Fast Retailing, owner of Uniqlo stores, and technology heavyweights.

The Nikkei index rose 0.15 percent to close at 27,820.40 points, while the broader Topix index fell 0.31 to 1,947.90 points.

In the US, the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite closed slightly lower, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose on Friday as the November jobs report fueled expectations that the Federal Reserve would maintain its policy of raising interest rates to combat inflation.

Fast Retailing jumped 3.11 percent, providing the biggest boost to the Nikkei after the operator of Uniqlo clothing stores reported last week that average purchases per customer rose 6.5 percent in November.

Robotics maker Fanuc rose 2.73 percent to be the top supporter of the Topix index.

Shiseido Cosmetics rose 2.83%, as hopes rose for increased purchases of cosmetics amid China’s easing of anti-Covid-19 restrictions.

The insurance and banking sectors fell 0.9 percent and 0.68 percent, respectively, amid lower US Treasury yields.