Tokyo stocks ended slightly lower Wednesday, as high-tech shares fell in cautious trading ahead of the release of U.S. chip giant Nvidia Corp.'s earnings later in the day.
The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended down 101.45 points, or 0.26 percent, from Tuesday at 38,262.16. The broader Topix index finished 5.00 points, or 0.19 percent, lower at 2,627.30.
On the top-tier Prime Market, decliners were led by mining, insurance, and oil and coal product issues.
The U.S. dollar was steady around the 150 yen line following its weaker tone overnight on a fall in U.S. long-term Treasury yields.
Technology shares tracked a drop in a key U.S. semiconductor index overnight.
Investors were also reluctant to take any fresh positions, as they awaited Nvidia's fourth-quarter results and the minutes from the January U.S. Federal Reserve monetary policy meeting, both slated for later in the day, analysts said.
"Market participants are focused on just how much Nvidia will be able to live up to its high expectations," said Koichi Fujishiro, senior economist at Dai-ichi Life Research Institute.
But the Nikkei's downside was well supported at around 38,000, in part by expectations of solid earnings by Japanese companies, analysts said.
