- Naoki Fujiwara, a fund manager at Shinkin Asset Management Co.
Japan's industrial production grew more than expected in January amid higher demand for automobiles and telecommunications devices. Output rose two per cent, said the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Gain in the industrial production figures was "a little stronger than the consensus, but still within expectations," said Mari Iwashita, chief market economist at SMBC Nikko Securities Inc.
Japanese stocks closed mixed on Tuesday. The Nikkei 225 rose 0.01%, or 0.72, to 9,723.24. The broader Topix fell 0.30%, or 2.52, to 835.96.
"Exchange rates are bouncing around," said Naoteru Teraoka, general manager at Tokyo-based Chuo Mitsui Asset Management Co. "Investors won't be able to buy more unless the yen takes a clear weakening direction."
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