Tokyo's benchmark stock index edged lower Thursday as investors remained cautious before the release of economic data. The U.S. dollar was up against the Japanese yen and the euro. The Nikkei Stock Average of 225 selected issues lost 42.76 points, or 0.38 percent, to close at 11,077.94 points. The index lost 38.76 points, or 0.35 percent, Wednesday. The broader TOPIX, which includes all issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's first section, lost 4.81 points, or 0.42 percent, to 1,140.49 points. The TOPIX shed 8.07 points, or 0.70 percent Wednesday. Investors were in a hands-off mood prior to the release of economic data Friday, with sporadic selling in blue-chip stocks amid external risk factors such as possible nuclear test by North Korea and hedge fund losses.