Nikkei index remained flat, while gains in shipping and energy stocks provided support.

The Nikkei index in Japan remained flat at 56315.14 points, as the rise in shipping and energy stocks helped offset the downward impact of electronic and metal stocks. Nippon Yusen rose 2.4%, Idemitsu Kosan rose 1.4%, while Panasonic Corporation fell 1.3% and Mitsui Kinzoku fell 2.1%. Investors are keeping an eye on any progress in the Middle East peace talks and any measures taken by the Japanese government to help businesses access energy and petrochemical products.