TOKYO: Japanese stocks edged down on Monday morning, pressured by a stronger yen, a widespread cyber attack, and North Korea's missile test over the weekend.The Nikkei share average fell 0.2 per cent to 19,853.71 points in midmorning trade.Officials across the globe scrambled to catch the culprits behind a massive ransom-ware worm that disrupted operations at car factories, hospitals, shops and schools. Cyber security experts said the spread of the worm dubbed WannaCry - "ransom-ware" that locked up more than 200,000 computers in more than 150 countries - had slowed but that the respite might only be brief amid fears new versions of the worm will strike. "We still don't know how much impact it has on Japanese companies. There is uncertainty looming, and when there is uncertainty, investors take profits," said Yoshihiro Okumura, general manager at Chibagin Asset Management.The Nikkei has gained 9 per cent since April 17, when it hit a five-month low of 18,224.68 points.Sentiment also soured from a stronger yen. The yen rose against the dollar after U.S. data on Friday showed a smaller-than-expected increase in April retail sales, raising concerns about the retail sector and the broader economy.Geopolitical tensions rose following a missile test by North Korea.

Source: Economic Times May 15, 2017 05:53 UTC