Japan's Nikkei share average retreated on 2024's last trading day today from the five-month high hit in the last session, as investors locked in profits on the index that rose nearly 20% for the year.
The Nikkei fell 0.96% to close at 39,894.54 after opening 0.11% higher. It ended at a five-month closing high of 40,281.16 on Friday after a three-session winning streak.
The index rose 19.22% this year, underpinned by a weaker yen and the Japanese central bank's low-rate policy. In 2023, it had gained 28%.
The broader Topix eased 0.6% to 2.784.92.
Japanese markets will reopen on January 6, 2025, after closing for the New Year holidays starting tomorrow.
Uniqlo-brand owner Fast Retailing shed 1.59% to drag on the Nikkei the most. Chip-testing equipment maker Advantest fell 2.6%.
Nissan Motor slipped 5.73% to become the biggest percentage loser on the benchmark. The carmaker surged 33.7% this month as merger talks with peer Honda Motor surfaced. However, the stock ended the year 13.39% lower.
Fujikura, which makes wire cabling for data centres, grew six-fold this year, becoming the top percentage gainer on the Nikkei.
Lasertec, which makes inspection equipment used in chip-making, fell 59% this year and was Nikkei's worst performer of the year.
