Japanese Stocks Close Lower as Oil Prices and Bond Yields Rise

(CNA, Tokyo, 18 May, Comprehensive Foreign Report) Due to rising oil prices and climbing government bond yields, which have sparked concerns about the economic outlook, Japanese stocks closed lower today. Mizuho Financial Group's disappointing share buyback plan dragged down the overall index performance. The benchmark Nikkei 225 index fell 593.34 points, or 0.97%, to close at 60,815.95. The broader Topix index lost 37.46 points, or 0.97%, to finish at 3,826.51. (Translation: Chen Yu-ting) 1150518