Japanese Stocks End Flat as Nuclear Worries Persist

Japanese shares ended flat on Thursday, as persisting worries over a leaking nuclear plant impeded any optimism on the economy.

In the short term, the market outlook is seen depending on whether Japan can safely stabilize the crippled Fukushima Daiichi plant. While in the long run, the market could fall under the weight of the damage from the massive earthquake and likely power shortages.

The benchmark Nikkei average fell 0.14 percent to 9,435.01 in Thursday trade.

Nearly two weeks after the earthquake and tsunami that battered the Fukushima nuclear complex and devastated northeast Japan, Japan is grappling with threats from radiation leaks as Tokyo’s 13 million people were told not to give infants tap water.

The broader Topix index fell 0.6 percent to 855.99 with its 200-day moving average at 871.36 seen as major resistance.

Foto: NTD