Japan's Nikkei stocks flat, Topix index up 0.4 percent

Japan's Nikkei average was flat in early trade on Wednesday but was weighed down after two straight days of losses as falling oil prices depressed the energy sector and helped to push Wall Street lower. The Nikkei opened slightly lower but edged into positive territory in early trade, up 0.3 percent at 9,588.08. The broader Topix index was up 0.4 percent at 841.41. Analysts said that oil shares may underperform the market, but losses are likely to be limited.