The Nikkei Average sharply reversed lower, ending the morning session down ¥1,639.69 at ¥63,019.78. Selling led by semiconductor-related stocks came first, against a backdrop of declines in U.S. markets and growing concern over AI investment.
The Nikkei Average fell sharply in the morning session, ending at ¥63,019.78, with estimated trading volume of approximately 1.04926 billion shares. In the previous day's U.S. market, the Dow fell $132.54 and the Nasdaq fell 365.12 points, while concern over AI-related stocks spread following Alphabet's earnings report. In response, the Nikkei declined after opening, with selling led mainly by high-priced stocks.
Among individual stocks, Fast Retailing, Konami Group, Bandai Namco Holdings, KDDI, Secom, Ryohin Keikaku, Otsuka Holdings, Astellas Pharma, Chugai Pharmaceutical, Recruit Holdings, Nitori Holdings, Terumo, Tokio Marine, BayCurrent and Takeda rose. Meanwhile, Advantest, Tokyo Electron, SoftBank Group, Ibiden, TDK, Kioxia Holdings, Lasertec, Murata Manufacturing, Fujikura, Toyota Tsusho, Kyocera, Taiyo Yuden, SCREEN Holdings, Disco and Fujitsu declined.
The afternoon session was expected to remain near its lows, with the decline at one point widening to the ¥1,600 range. As concern over U.S. investment in AI-related activities continued, semiconductor-related stocks were expected to remain under adjustment pressure, while the flow of funds into defensive and domestic-demand stocks was expected to be the focus in the afternoon session.
facts_per_paragraphs_remarkers_not_needed_only_existing_details_short_descs_only_k_presented_according_to_text_are_used_omit_extra_conjecture_if_missing_are_kept_minimal