Nikkei falls ahead of Japan, US interest rate decisions

Japan’s Nikkei share average fell for a fourth straight session on Tuesday, as investors remained cautious ahead of interest rate decisions in Japan and the United States. The Nikkei closed down 0.72 percent at 39,081.71.

The broader Topix index pared early gains, falling 0.31 percent to 2,719.87, despite a 1.5 percent gain in the auto sector amid expectations of a change in the sector.

U.S. stocks fell overnight, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling for a ninth straight session, as investors remained cautious ahead of the Federal Reserve’s last interest rate decision of the year, after economic data suggested consumer spending remained strong.

Bank of Japan is due to conclude its policy meeting tomorrow, with its decision due hours after the expected U.S. rate cut.