"Concerns about the economic slowdown in the U.S. are easing"
- Koichi Kurose, chief economist in Tokyo at Resona Bank Ltd.
Japanese stocks closed mixed on Tuesday ahead of U.S. housing and durable goods data.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average fell 0.16 per cent, or 14.24 points, to 9,156.92. The broader Topix Index gained 0.08 per cent, or 0.60, to 765.26.
"Concerns about the economic slowdown in the U.S. are easing," said Koichi Kurose, chief economist in Tokyo at Resona Bank Ltd.
"The markets are moving like a seesaw, swayed by whatever European officials say. With no catalysts to be found in the markets, investors are looking for anything. Short-term individual investors may look to Apple" and buy related shares.
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