1.   To be sure, some investors abstained from trading as they waited for the results of the FOMC meeting and BOJ tankan.

2.   However, trading was light as many investors abstained from taking positions due to market holidays Monday in the United States and Britain.

3.   Many investors abstained from bidding up stocks because of continuing uncertainty over the health of Japanese economy and the shape of government plans to aid ailing Japanese banks.

4.   Dealers said share prices closed lower as traders and overseas investors abstained from making fresh commitments.

5.   Technology stocks remained weak as investors abstained from these volatile counters.