Japan Topix index fluctuated after four days of gains as oil explorers advanced while property developers retreated. Investors weighed U.S. data adding to signs of recovery in the world��s largest economy.

The Topix climbed 0.3 percent to 1,198.74 as of 9:12 a.m. in Tokyo, poised for its highest close since April 4, after falling less than 0.1 percent. The Nikkei 225 Stock Average added 0.1 percent to 14,653.22. The yen traded little changed for a third day after weakening on May 23. The Standard & Poor��s 500 Index advanced to a record yesterday.

Orders for durable goods increased in the U.S. for a third month in April, a sign the country��s factories will help the economy strengthen. Bookings for goods meant to last at least three years rose 0.8 percent after a 3.6 percent gain in the prior month that was better than previously reported, Commerce Department figures showed.

In other economic reports, the Conference Board��s index of U.S. consumer sentiment increased to 83 in May from 81.7 a month earlier. The S&P/Case-Shiller index of property prices in 20 U.S. cities increased 12.4 percent from March 2013 after a 12.9 percent gain in the year ended in February.

Copy Source: Bloomberg