* Nikkei 225 Stock Average: -9.31 (-0.05%) to 18,252.67
* Nikkei 225 futures Osaka: -20 (-0.1%) to 18,260, Singapore (SGX) 18,265, Chicago (CME) 7/9 — 18,235
* TOPIX: -3.03 (-0.2%) to 1,789.20; Advancers 627 x decliners 928 (unchanged 176), New highs 80 x new lows 25; 13/33 sectors posted gains
* Jasdaq: -0.22 (-0.3%) to 82.11
News — The Tokyo High Court ruled for a second time against Steel Partners in its challenges of Japanese firms’ takeover defenes; and referred to it as an “abusive fund” (??????). See: Tokyo court denies appeal by Warren Lichtenstein and Steel Partners [Bloomberg]

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