The Nikkei Average fell sharply for a second straight session, with selling in high-priced semiconductor-related stocks leading from the open. The decline widened toward the end of the morning session.
The Nikkei Average fell sharply in the morning session, and remained in negative territory toward the close. Estimated trading volume was reported at approximately 1,090,350,000 shares.
At the open, the index widened its decline to ¥466.07, standing at ¥68,564.85, as selling concentrated in semiconductor-related stocks amid developments in the Nasdaq.
Individual stocks were mixed, with Fast Retailing and Toyota among the gainers, while Advantest and other semiconductor-related stocks were notable decliners.
The index is expected to remain near its lows in the afternoon session, with some market participants expecting it to trade well below the ¥70,000 level. Uncertainty over Japanese and US market conditions and the situation in the Middle East is affecting investor sentiment.