Japanese stocks closed marginally lower on Thursday after a positive earnings report from US technology major Nvidia revived investor confidence in artificial intelligence investments. Treasury prices fell, raising expectations for interest-rate hikes.
The benchmark Nikkei 225 closed down 130.18 points, or 0.20%, at 66,131.98.
Oil prices fell after a renewed push to ease tensions in the Middle East amid reports of Qatar's prime minister's high-stakes visit to Iran to defuse US-Iran hostilities and negotiate the opening of the Strait of Hormuz.
On the corporate side, Mitsui & Co. (TYO:8031) filed for the listing of $750 million in 4.930% bonds due 2031 on the Singapore bourse, according to a filing with the Singapore Exchange on Thursday.
Also, Nissan Motor (TYO:7201) said it launched refreshed versions of its Fairlady Z and Fairlady Z NISMO sports cars in Japan, with both models going on sale immediately.