Tokyo: Japanese stocks declined at the end of Thursday’s trading as the yen appreciated amid growing expectations that the central bank will continue tightening borrowing costs, given the ongoing global trade tensions.
According to Qatar News Agency, the yen strengthened to around a two-month high against the US dollar in the 149 zone in Tokyo on Thursday, amid rising speculation that the Bank of Japan could raise its benchmark interest rate at its next policy meeting.
The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended down 486.57 points, or 1.24 percent, from Wednesday at 38,678.04.
The broader Topix index finished 32.65 points, or 1.18 percent, lower at 2,734.60.