TOKYO, April 1 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei average is expected to move in a narrow range on Friday as investors refrain from trading actively ahead of U.S. payroll data, with shares likely to be supported by a weaker yen against the dollar.
Japanese shares could face slight selling pressure after Wall Street stocks fell the previous day, but the market might lack clear direction with investors wary about taking fresh positions ahead of the weekend, after the Nikkei posted solid gains over the last two sessions.
"Investors are expected to be more flexible after the start of the new financial year from today, but for now the Nikkei is expected to be trapped in a narrow range ahead of the weekend and the U.S. jobs data," said Hiroichi Nishi, general manager at SMBC Nikko Securities' equity marketing section.
"The market looks a bit overheated after seeing strong gains this week, but thanks to the weaker yen there is no reason to sell stocks strongly," Nishi said.
The dollar advanced to a fresh three-week high above 83.30 yen in early Asian trade on Friday.
On Thursday, the Nikkei closed up 0.5 percent at 9,755.10. The broader Topix index rose 0.4 percent to 869.38.
Nikkei futures on Chicago (2NKc1: Quote, Profile, Research) rose to 9,735 from the Osaka close (JNIc1: Quote, Profile, Research) of 9,710.
The Nikkei is expected to trade between 9,650 and 9,800 on Friday.
The Nikkei is likely to face some resistance above 9,750, where options-related sales are expected to emerge, analysts said.
Technical resistance is also expected around the 200-day
moving average, which is currently at 9,820.
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