Tokyo stocks were mixed Tuesday morning, as investors locked in gains following surges the previous day, while many awaited the results of the Bank of Japan policy meeting.
The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fell 144.15 points, or 0.36 percent, from Monday to 39,596.29. The broader Topix index was up 6.31 points, or 0.23 percent, at 2,728.30.
The U.S. dollar moved little in the lower 149 yen range as market participants took a wait-and-see approach ahead of a BOJ policy outcome, with the central bank widely expected to end its negative interest rate policy.
At noon, the dollar fetched 149.35-38 yen compared with 149.09-19 yen in New York and 149.12-14 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Monday.
The euro was quoted at $1.0873-0874 and 162.39-44 yen against $1.0867-0877 and 162.08-18 yen in New York and $1.0892-0893 and 162.43-47 yen in Tokyo late Monday afternoon.
The Nikkei stock index was in negative territory throughout the morning after the benchmark index soared over 1,000 points on Monday.
Investors were focused on possible changes to the BOJ's powerful monetary easing policy that has been in place for years, in what could be the first interest rate hike in 17 years.
"The market is likely to be little affected by the BOJ announcement, as participants have already factored in the expected policy change" following news reports last week, said Kazuo Kamitani, a strategist in the Investment Content Department of Nomura Securities Co.
Market participants will be focusing on remarks to be made by BOJ chief Kazuo Ueda later in the afternoon to gauge the bank's stance and outlook, analysts said.
