Nikkei opens flat as U.S. jobs data eyed

TOKYO: The benchmark Nikkei share average ''opened almost flat on Friday as investors braced for critical U.S. job data that could cement fears of slower growth, though cheap valuations and options-related short covering are likely to provide support.

The Nikkei stood at 9,568.83, up 0.1 percent, while the broader Topix was also flat at 826.04. ' Reuters

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