Tokyo Nikkei 225 down 0.43% at 41,097 points (Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Tokyo , 17 Jul - Japanese shares closed moderately lower, retreating from yesterday's gains amid weak Asian markets.

In Tokyo stock market dealings technology shares weighed, with chipmakers underperforming.

The Nikkei index closed down 0.43% at 41,097 points, hovering near all-time highs.

Tokyo shares rose in recent sessions as figures pointing to a weaker economy added to doubts over Japan's economic health, easing pressure on the Bank of Japan to increase interest rates.

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(RADIOCOR) 17-07-24 08:53:21 (0179) 5 NNNN