The expected range for the Nikkei Stock Average today is ¥68,500–¥69,500. Amid caution over the consecutive gains through the previous day, profit-taking selling is expected to lead, according to reports.
The Nikkei Stock Average ended the Tokyo market on the 14th after temporarily recovering to the ¥69,000 level on renewed buying of semiconductor and AI-related stocks, but an expected range of ¥68,500–¥69,500 was indicated for the following day. In overnight trading, Nikkei 225 futures at times fell below ¥69,000, and profit-taking is generally expected to prevail.
On the upside, ¥70,000, ¥71,000, the high of ¥71,962 on 1 July and the psychologically significant ¥72,000 level are in focus. On the downside, ¥68,000 and ¥67,000, the high of ¥66,302 on 5 August and the 25-day moving average at ¥65,906 have been cited.
Reports indicate that today's trading may be affected by mixed performance in US markets, rising crude oil prices and movements in long-term US interest rates. Reports concerning the US administration's semiconductor procurement policy related to China have also been cited as a market factor. Expectations of an additional Bank of Japan rate hike have also been noted as a potential influence on investor sentiment.
Today's expected range is presented together with upside and downside reference levels, and the view has been expressed that renewed activity in AI-related stocks could provide support for the market.