The Nikkei was little changed to slightly lower around 66,333.53 yen in morning trading, as the advance lost momentum amid ongoing position unwinding by short-term funds. The TOPIX held firm around 4,135, with continued rotation among stocks within the index expected.
The Nikkei traded at 66,333.53 yen in morning trading, down slightly by 0.05%. After initially attracting buying, profit-taking selling became dominant, curbing the momentum of the advance.
The TOPIX held firm at 4,135.38 points, up 0.16%. Rotation among stocks within the index was expected to continue, with market moves likely to remain limited.
The market entered a phase in which short-term funds were increasingly unwinding positions, and the Nikkei's gains were seen narrowing.