Nikkei ends 0.2 pct lower

Japan’s Nikkei average inched down 0.2 per cent after moving in a tight range on Wednesday,as a broad commodities sell-off prompted investors to take profits after the index hit a near eight-month closing high the previous day.

But new strong US factory orders,which recorded their largest gain in November in eight months,supported shares and bolstered hopes for a sustainable US economic recovery ahead of the closely watched December payroll figures out on Friday.

The strong factory orders also lent support to the dollar,helping it stay firm around 82 yen and buoying currency-sensitive exporters.

The Nikkei moved in and out of positive territory before closing the day down 0.2 per cent or 17.33 points at 10,380.77. The broader Topix index was flat at 911.69.