Asian stocks shrugged off a weaker start to end mixed Tuesday, with Japan's broadest stock index, the Topix, hitting its highest level in 15 years in intraday trading, as NTT DoCoMo and other domestic-related shares gained on optimism over the domestic growth outlook.
In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 index dipped 0.97 point, or 0.01 percent, on Tuesday, closing at 17,939.12 while in Hong Kong -- markets remained shut for Lunar New Year celebrations.
Uncertainty about whether the Bank of Japan would raise interest rates Wednesday after its two-day meeting prompted many investors to hold back in Tokyo -- one day after the benchmark Nikkei 225 index touched a near seven-year high.
The decliners were bank and food stocks. Mizuho Financial Group Inc. shed 0.23 percent and Asahi Breweries Ltd. declined 0.75 percent.
Elsewhere:
BANGKOK: Thai shares were up 0.4 percent at 688.20 in razor-thin trading that involved the select buying of blue chips after recent declines.
JAKARTA: Indonesia shares rose 7.189 points, or 0.40 percent, at 1,806.482 as long-term investors' selective blue chip buys boosted the index amid thin holiday trade.
MANILA: Philippine shares advanced Tuesday as investors poured in funds into the stock market amid the continuing fall in T-bill yields. The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange Index gained 46.28 points, or 1.4 percent, at 3,375.31,
WELLINGTON: New Zealand stocks finished lower for a third straight session, and dealers said the combination of a strong New Zealand dollar, high interest rates and unspectacular earnings are likely to keep the market under pressure short-term. The benchmark NZX-50 fell 29.74 points, or 0.7 percent, to 4,110.48.
SYDNEY: Australian shares ended flat, partly because of a lack of activity in the region because of the Lunar New Year holiday. After moving above 6,000 points Monday, the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index fell 0.4 points to 5989.70.
