Japan stocks fall after concerns for US economy
Japan's Nikkei 225 fell today amid a stronger yen and signs of a slowing US economy, while other key Asian stock indexes were closed for a public holiday.
The Nikkei Stock Average in Tokyo fell 1% to 9,422.83. Export shares struggled as the dollar hovered below the 80-yen mark. The greenback has not been this weak against the Japanese currency since February.
Australia's S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.7% to 4,427.90, amid expectations that the Reserve Bank of Australia will announce an interest rate cut.
Markets in China, India, Singapore, Taiwan and Indonesia were among those closed for public holidays.
Japanese export shares were punished by the higher yen, which makes Japanese products more expensive overseas.
Yamaha Motor plunged 6.1%. Electronics maker Sharp plummeted 8.3%. Copier maker Ricoh lost 4.6%.
