As of 2:50 p.m., the Nikkei 225 was down ¥1,660, with declines in major stocks weighing on contribution levels. Investors are focused on upcoming US economic indicators and earnings announcements by major companies.
As of 2:50 p.m., the Nikkei 225 was down ¥1,660, with negative contributions from Advantest, Tokyo Electron and SoftBank G among the most notable. Meanwhile, Recruit Holdings, Trend and BayCurrent were positive contributors. By sector, nonferrous metals, machinery and electrical equipment were lower, while mining, insurance and air transportation rose.
The current market action reflects investor caution ahead of the weekly initial jobless claims and the September composite Leading Economic Index, both scheduled to be released in the US tonight. Honeywell Technologies, P&G and Western Digital are among the companies expected to announce earnings.