Japan: Nikkei rises 0.11%

Japanese share market finished the session tad higher after squeezing early gains on Wednesday, 30 April 2014, as the yen strengthened due to Bank of Japan's decision to hold off expanding its monetary policy easing campaign despite signs of weaker economic growth. The benchmark Nikkei 225 index closed up 0.11% to finish at 14304.11, while the Topix index of all first-section shares added 0.15% to 1162.44.

Bank of Japan avoided changes in its ultra-loose policy despite concern that an April 1 consumption tax hike will sap growth. The Bank of Japan's nine member policy board unanimously decided to maintain the amount of money the central bank pumps into the economy at Y60 trillion-Y70 trillion a year. The BOJ projected that prices will hit its 2% inflation target and stay there without the need for fresh monetary stimulus. But it lowered its forecast for Japan's economic growth.

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