The Nikkei average fell for a fourth straight day shortly after the open on the 14th, at one point dropping more than 1,500 yen during the day. Worsening tensions in the Middle East and persistently high oil prices weighed on the market.
The Nikkei average fell for a fourth consecutive day after the open on the 14th, with its decline widening to more than 1,500 yen at one point. As signs of fragility spread across trading, aversion to selling extended into the afternoon session.
Worsening tensions in the Middle East were cited as a factor behind the decline, while persistently high oil prices were identified as a factor pushing down the market as a whole. The market remained heavy, led by energy-related stocks.
At the same time, uncertainty over ceasefire negotiations between Russia and Ukraine also weighed on investor sentiment. Some market observers said the extent of the impact could vary depending on the news flow ahead.