In the Tokyo stock market on the 13th, the Nikkei 225 fell for the 4th straight session, plunging after the open to stand about ¥1,300 lower at one point and briefly falling below ¥68,000.
In the Tokyo stock market on the 13th, the Nikkei 225 began trading at ¥68,564.85, down ¥466.07 from the previous weekend. The decline accelerated after the open, with the index down about ¥1,300 at one point during the morning session and falling below ¥68,000.
Weakness in semiconductor-related stocks, particularly AI-related names, weighed on the market, while limited gains in the Nasdaq Composite in the US market spread selling pressure to Tokyo. The Dow was firm, but the SOX Index fell about 3.07% over 2 days.
Uncertainty over the outlook for the situation in the Middle East and rising crude oil prices made investor sentiment more cautious, contributing to stronger selling pressure at the open. The Nikkei 225 had fallen more than ¥1,600 over the 3 days through the previous weekend, and although dip-buying was seen, trading remained unstable.
The yen-denominated settlement price for Chicago Nikkei 225 futures was ¥68,455, down ¥1,015 from the previous weekend, setting the stage for selling in the Tokyo market. US earnings trends, developments in the Middle East and the course of crude oil prices are expected to be the focus going forward.