"Economic data in Japan, Europe and China shows economies remain in bad shape"
- Koichi Kurose, chief economist in Tokyo at Resona Bank Ltd.
Japanese stocks edged lower on Monday on concerns the global economy is slowing.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average retreated 0.45 per cent, or 40.71 points, to 9,069.29. The broader Topix Index erased 0.36 per cent, or 2.70, to 753.68
"There's a sense of irritation about progress in Europe," said Koichi Kurose, chief economist in Tokyo at Resona Bank Ltd.
"Economic data in Japan, Europe and China shows economies remain in bad shape. Investors are finding it difficult to change their positions. They don't know yet whether the recent stimulus will work. On the other hand, if the economy gets worse, there's an expectation for more stimulus, which will provide a boost to the market."
© Dukascopy Bank SA