Tokyo stocks end flat amid caution over Japan-US tariff talks
The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended up 24.98 points, or 0.06 percent, from Thursday at 39,810.88. The broader Topix index finished 1.04 points, or 0.04 percent, lower at 2,827.95.
On the top-tier Prime Market, gainers were led by electric power and gas and bank issues, while marine transportation and nonferrous metal shares were main decliners.
The U.S. dollar fell to the lower 144 yen zone on selling, after briefly approaching the 145 yen line, as speculation over an imminent Federal Reserve rate cut eased following the release of stronger-than-expected jobs data, dealers said.
The Nikkei stock index briefly topped the 40,000 mark in the morning, lifted by buying of heavyweight semiconductor issues that tracked gains in their U.S. counterparts following reports that Washington had lifted export curbs on chip design software to China.
However, the market later swung between positive and negative territory, pressured by Trump's remarks that about 10 letters could be sent daily starting as early as Friday, with a 90-day pause on so-called reciprocal tariffs set to expire Wednesday.
"Investors were cautious ahead of any potential developments later Friday or in the coming days that could move the market," said Asuka Sakamoto, senior economist at Mizuho Research & Technologies Ltd.
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