The Nikkei average fell back for the first time in 3 days at the morning close on the 2nd, ending the morning session down ¥630 at ¥68,326.72. Declining issues stood out, revealing an imbalance in trading.
On the TSE Prime Market at the morning close on the 2nd, the Nikkei average stood at ¥68,326.72, down ¥630.00, or 0.91%, from the previous day. There were 199 advancing issues, 1,325 declining issues and 22 unchanged issues. With declining issues accounting for more than 80% of the total, SBG was the largest negative contributor to the Nikkei average.
SBG stood out as the largest source of downward pressure, accounting for a negative contribution of ¥233.35 to the Nikkei average, followed by Tokyo Electron, Fast Retailing, Terumo and TDK. Advantest was the top positive contributor, lifting the Nikkei average by ¥373.24.
By sector, 4 of the 33 sectors rose, with nonferrous metals leading and some issues remaining firm. Decliners were led by securities and commodities, transportation equipment, and information and communications. Against this backdrop, overall market sentiment tilted toward the bearish side.