Japan's stock market was largely flat ahead of decisions by the Federal Reserve and the Bank of Japan. Idemitsu Kosan and ENEOS rose among individual stocks on export growth and a widening trade deficit, while Sumitomo Pharma and others fell.
In Wednesday trading in Tokyo, the Nikkei Average was down 0.03% at 63,462.01, putting it on course for a fourth consecutive decline. Meanwhile, the TOPIX was up 0.79% at 4,069.02, reaching an intraday high of 4,072.31.
In pre-market trading, U.S. interest-rate trends, debt concerns and rising oil prices affected investor sentiment, while Japan's exports rose 19.3% year on year and imports rose 28%, widening the trade deficit to ¥1.106 trillion.
Market participants were reported to be maintaining a cautious stance ahead of policy decisions by both central banks while watching interest-rate trends. Idemitsu Kosan rose 5.59%, ENEOS Holdings rose 5.24% and Mitsui Chemicals rose 3.80%, supporting the market.
By contrast, Sumitomo Pharma fell 4.74%, Otsuka Holdings fell 4.42% and Mercari fell 4.37%, with share-price movements varying across individual stocks.