TOKYO, Oct 26 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei stock average ended slightly lower on Tuesday as the yen hovered near a record high against the dollar, adding to investor caution before the peak of the corporate earnings season.
The benchmark Nikkei fell 0.3 percent to 9,377.38, while the broader Topix slipped 0.4 percent to 817.94.
Although the Nikkei briefly turned positive in the afternoon, helped by what some analysts said was buying of futures and short-covering, it remained stuck in a narrow range. (Reporting by Aiko Hayashi; Editing by Chris Gallagher)