2016.11.0804:18:00UTC+00​Nikkei Closes Flat as Market Sentiment Cautious Ahead of U.S. Election

Japan's Nikkei share average finished little changed in choppy trade on Tuesday, settling 0.3% down at 17, 171.38 points as cautious investors choose to remain on the sidelines ahead of the U.S. presidential elections.

The Reuters/Ipsos States of the Nation Project released just hours before Americans vote showed that Democrat presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has around 90% chance of overcoming Republican Donald Trump during the elections. While investors are still on edge, sentiment is seen to stabilize as on the likelihood that Mrs. Clinton, who is seen as a status quo candidate, will triumph over Trump. The GOP candidate's stances on foreign policies, trade and immigration and the possibility of his win has caused market jitters.

However, the survey noted that some major states are too close to call until all the votes are in.

Domestic-demand responsive stocks including retailers and food stocks fell during the session, while exporters remained stable.

The Topix was also flat and closed 0.1% higher at 1, 363.49 while the JPX-Nikkei Index 400 also added 0.1% at 12, 218.25.