Nikkei index flat, gaming and metal stocks up

The Nikkei index in Japan remained unchanged at 53,704.86 points, as gains in gaming and metal stocks offset the impact of a drop in chip-related stocks. Nintendo rose 2.7%, JX Advanced Metals rose 4.4%, while Softbank Group fell 4.4% and Lasertec fell 6.0%. The broader Topix index rose 0.3% to 3,626.95 points. Investors will closely watch the interest rate decision scheduled by the Bank of Japan later on Friday, as well as any political developments ahead of the general election in early February.