Japan’s Nikkei share average fell on Wednesday as investors took profits from the sharp jump in the past two sessions, while expectations that the European Central Bank will unveil stimulus measures on Thursday limited the losses.

The Bank of Japan has cut next fiscal year’s inflation forecast and expanded a loan scheme aimed at boosting lending, and as expected, it has decided to maintain its massive stimulus programme. The decision gave a limited impact to the market.

The Nikkei ended 0.5 per cent lower at 17,280.48. The broader Topix slipped 0.5 per cent to 1,390.61 and the JPX-Nikkei Index 400 shed 0.5 per cent to 12,641.38.