Japanese stocks close lower, weighed down by tech shares

Japanese stocks closed lower on Wednesday.

The Nikkei index fell 0.25% to 37,751.88, pressured by tech stocks and the Bank of Japan’s interest rate hold.

The broader Topix index rose 0.45%.

The Bank of Japan held short-term interest rates at 0.5% in an unusually early decision during morning trading.

The Bank of Japan confirmed that the economy is “recovering moderately,” but said the outlook “remains highly uncertain” due to risks from global trade policies.