The Nikkei Average fell approximately 1,044 points from the previous weekend, posting a sharp decline. After plunging in the morning, the decline had narrowed by mid-morning, although the market overall remained weak throughout the session.
The Nikkei Stock Average fell 1,043.96 yen from the previous weekend to 65,361.60 yen in the morning session on the 31st, posting a sharp decline. The TOPIX also fell 17.95 points to 4,128.76, declining for the first time in 8 sessions, as selling led the market from the opening against a backdrop of lower U.S. stocks amid expectations of an early interest-rate hike. The Nikkei briefly fell to 64,832.10 yen at 9:06 a.m., but subsequently pared its losses on short-term bargain hunting.
Of the 33 industry sectors, 21 declined and 12 advanced. Securities and commodity futures, machinery, electric appliances, marine transportation and iron and steel stocks were weak. Electric power and gas and mining stocks, meanwhile, performed relatively firmly.
Trading volume on the TSE Prime Market was 946.38 million shares, with trading value of ¥3.5262 trillion. There were 696 advancing issues, 795 declining issues and 62 unchanged issues. Stocks that drew attention included DISCO and 菱重工, while gainers included クオンツ総研HD, Appier, ベクトル and ストライクG.