The Nikkei Average fell for a third straight session as selling spread against a backdrop of gains in the Dow and crude oil prices, while declines in semiconductor-related stocks weighed on the market. The Nikkei was pushed down by approximately ¥420 by declines in Advantest and Tokyo Electron. The morning-session close was ¥62,214.66.
The Nikkei Average fell for a third straight trading session, with the morning session moving from levels in the mid-¥62,300 range. Among Nikkei Average constituents, 165 stocks rose, 59 fell and 1 was unchanged.
Advantest was the top drag, weighing on the Nikkei Average by approximately ¥222, followed by Tokyo Electron, which weighed on it by approximately ¥198. Other leading decliners included Fast Retailing, SoftBank Group and Ibiden.
Meanwhile, Toyota Tsusho was the top contributor on the upside, lifting the Nikkei Average by approximately ¥24. Trading companies and resource-related stocks also supported the market at times during the session, and the TOPIX was higher. As of 11:30, the Nikkei Average was ¥62,214.66, down ¥478.50 from the previous day.
As of 11:30, the leading gainers included Toyota Tsusho, Mitsubishi Corporation, ITOCHU, FANUC and Mitsui & Co., while the leading decliners included Advantest, Tokyo Electron, Fast Retailing, SoftBank Group and Ibiden.