DHAKA: Shares in Japan have fallen with investors remaining cautious as the country's central bank meets to discuss monetary policy.

The Bank of Japan’s news conference on Friday will be watched closely any news of further stimulus measures.

The benchmark Nikkei 225 index closed down 1.13% at 16,476.84, reports the BBC.

Shares in export-related companies fell as the yen strengthened against the dollar. A stronger yen makes Japanese goods more expensive overseas.

Overnight, the US central bank decided to keep rates on hold, at between 0.25% and 0.5%.

The Federal Reserve said ‘near-term risks to the economic outlook have diminished’, however the dollar weakened after the bank gave now clear indication it was thinking of raising rates at its next meeting in September.

In Australia, the benchmark ASX 200 share index closed up 0.31% at 5,556.60.

Shares of Macquarie Group closed up 1.5% after the country’s top investment bank confirmed it would meet its full-year earnings guidance.

BDST: 1437 HRS, JUL 28, 2016
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