Nikkei flat, exporters' gains offset by banks

TOKYO, May 14 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei share average ended the morning flat on Wednesday, as rises in exporters such as Honda Motor Co Ltd (7267.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) on a softer yen were offset by declines in banks after U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said financial markets remained troubled.

The market was also dented by index heavyweight Tokyo Electron Ltd, (8035.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) which fell after the world's second-largest semiconductor equipment maker forecast profit to halve this year as its customers rein in spending. [ID:nT246620]

The benchmark Nikkei average .N225 ended the morning down 0.02 percent at 13,951.53. The broader TOPIX index fell 0.1 percent to 1,358.21.