Business News

TOKYO, (APP/AFP) – Tokyo shares closed flat
on Friday with concerns over a North Korean nuclear test offset by speculation that the Bank of Japan may expand its stimulus programme.
Japanese rose in early trade but news of the Pyongyang’s test knocked
sentiment, which also took a hit from the European Central Bank’s decision
Thursday not to ramp up its stimulus.
Pyongyang later said its fifth atomic test had confirmed it could mount a nuclear warhead on a rocket, drawing global condemnation.
The news aggravated geopolitical tensions in the region as world powers including China struggle to rein in the country’s erratic behaviour.
In forex markets, traders bought the yen in a flight to safety, hitting Japanese exporters as it drags on their profitability.
The dollar was changing hands at 102.14 yen in afternoon trading, down from 102.48 yen in New York.