Tokyo Nikkei 225 down 0.32% at 40,780 points (Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Tokyo , 08 Jul - Japanese shares closed slightly lower amid weak Asian markets, halting a three-day rally.

The Nikkei index closed down 0.32% at 40,780 points, retreating from near record highs hit last week, when recent data pointing to a weaker economy seemed to ease pressure on the Bank of Japan to increase interest rates, helping support sentiment.

Data released today however showed that average cash earnings in the country grew at their fastest pace in 31 years in May, pointing to a possible pick-up in inflation.

Japan's current account surplus and bank lending also rose more than expected.

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(RADIOCOR) 08-07-24 08:49:37 (0126) 5 NNNN