Nikkei Stock Average Ends 0.05% Down Amid Anticipation of US Inflation Data and Fed Rate Cuts

The Nikkei Stock Average in Tokyo opened with a 0.62% increase at 39,332.55 but later erased early gains, ending the day down by 0.05%. This movement comes as investors focus on the upcoming U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, which is expected to influence expectations for additional interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. The market's attention is particularly on how the November CPI might affect the likelihood of rate adjustments, with some observers noting that the Nikkei's performance is tracking Wall Street's trends, although profit-taking has capped the rise. The anticipation of U.S. inflation data and potential rate cuts by the Federal Reserve is seen as a significant factor in the current market dynamics.