Around the World's Markets: Tokyo

THE NIKKEI ended just under the psychological barrier at 18,000, as uncertain prospects for currencies and United States stocks sent investors to the sidelines ahead of a market holiday. The Nikkei 225 finished 4.96 points lower at 17,991.96. The market will be closed today for a national holiday and will reopen on Thursday.

Traders were still cautious regarding the yen's recent strength, although the dollar had recovered to nearly 105 in late Tokyo trade from a fall below 104 earlier.