Japan stocks edge down, eyes on U.S. Fed

TOKYO, Oct 31 (Reuters) Japan's Nikkei opened down 0.18 percent on Wednesday, dragged lower by weak Wall Street shares and fears that the Federal Reserve may not cut interest rates at its meeting later in the day.

Exporters such as Sharp Corp slid, and shares of oil-related firms such as Inpex Holdings were also sold after energy prices fell from record highs.

At 0004 GMT the benchmark Nikkei average was down 43.01 points at 16,620.96. The broader TOPIX index edged down 0.4 percent or 6.12 points to 1,601.72.

Reuters BJR VP0555