Japan key stock index falls for 5th consecutive day

TOKYO, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Japan's key stock index extended declines for the fifth consecutive day on Wednesday as concerns over stricter U.S. semiconductor regulations and potential Bank of Japan (BOJ) interest rate hikes fueled selling pressure.

The benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, closed 29.72 points, or 0.08 percent lower at 38,444.58.

Morning trading saw a brief rebou