At the opening on the 2nd, the Nikkei 225 began trading down ¥643.26 at ¥68,313.46, and stocks including ソフトバンクグループ and 中外製薬 declined shortly after the open. The moves in the previous day's US market and higher oil prices were reportedly factors.
The Nikkei 225 opened at ¥68,313.46, down ¥643.26 from the previous day, beginning trading lower for the first time in 3 sessions. The US market rose slightly, although it also temporarily declined against a backdrop of higher oil prices. Before trading began, economic indicators including the unemployment rate, the active job-openings-to-applicants ratio and the Tokyo metropolitan-area CPI were released, heightening market caution.
The Nikkei 225 at times halted its decline and recovered into positive territory toward the afternoon, but selling dominated at the open. Commentary indicated that high domestic long-term interest rates and elevated oil prices and US long-term interest rates made investors cautious, encouraging short-term profit-taking and selling by investors waiting for a rebound.
By sector, precision instruments, services, other finance, pharmaceuticals and air transportation declined, while mining and oil products rose. Among Nikkei 225 constituents, ソフトバンクグループ, 中外製薬, オリックス, 東エレク, HOYA and 日産自動車 declined, while レーザーテック, アドバンテスト, NEC, SUMCO and フジクラ rose.
Among major stocks, ソフトバンクグループ and 中外製薬 were cited as decliners, while technology and semiconductor-related stocks stood out among the gainers. Intraday movements were viewed as linked to profit-taking after the gains through the previous day.