The yen was firm around the 146 line against the U.S. dollar early Thursday in Tokyo on expectations that the Federal Reserve will slow the pace of its interest rate hikes.
At 9 a.m., the dollar fetched 146.07-10 yen compared with 146.35-45 yen in New York and 147.08-11 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Wednesday.
The euro was quoted at $1.0091-0094 and 147.40-47 yen against $1.0075-0085 and 147.51-61 yen in New York and $1.0032-0034 and 147.57-61 yen in Tokyo late Wednesday afternoon.
Tokyo stocks opened almost flat as buying on hopes for smaller rate hikes in the United States was offset by selling of technology issues after the tech-heavy Nasdaq fell overnight for the first time in four trading sessions.
In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fell 14.64 points, or 0.05 percent, from Wednesday to 27,417.20. The broader Topix index was down 6.08 points, or 0.32 percent, at 1,912.13.
On the top-tier Prime Market, decliners were led by bank, textile and apparel, and food issues, while mining, machinery, and oil and coal product issues were among major gainers.
