Nikkei edges down, exporters and resource shares hit

TOKYO, June 17 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei stock average lost 0.2 percent on Wednesday after U.S indicators revived worry about whether the recession is easing, with the yen gaining against the dollar and exporters such as Canon Inc (7751.T) losing ground. Mitsui & Co (8031.T) and other resource firms extended losses as oil fell below $70 and copper slid, while tech shares retreated further amid the renewed economic uncertainty.

The benchmark Nikkei .N225 lost 23.00 points to 9,729.88 a day after falling 2.9 percent for its worst one-day loss in percentage terms in over two months. The broader Topix .TOPX was flat at 914.45. (Reporting by Elaine Lies)