The Nikkei 225 Stock Average lost 11.16 yen (-0.06%) to 17,736.96 (range: 17,712 - 17,827). Nikkei 225 futures in Osaka gained 20 points to 17,770 (range: 17,720 - 17,850). We saw a little profit-taking, buying back some positions and rotating to firms with strong earnings. Essentially, the typical scene ahead of Friday’s SQ with earnings thrown into the mix. Don’t forget we had yesterday’s rally to the highest close since the sell-off in late Feb.

TOPIX 1st Section fell 8.02 points (-0.46%) to 1,736.99 (range: 1,736.99 - 1,753.65). Advancers trailed decliners 625 x 955 (149 unchanged). Only 9 of 33 sectors posted gains.

JASDAQ lost 0.94 (-1.13%) to 82.41 (range: 82.37 - 83.30).