At the open on the 23rd, the Nikkei Average stood at ¥62,667.05, down ¥240.79 from the previous day. Leading stocks Murata Manufacturing and SoftBank Group fell, and selling prevailed at the open.
The Nikkei Average opened on the 23rd at ¥62,667.05, down ¥240.79, while U.S. markets were mixed the previous day. The Dow edged higher, but Nasdaq fell sharply as caution over AI-related stocks spread and technology stocks declined. Although lower long-term interest rates and the upcoming start of first-half earnings announcements for the fiscal year ending March next week supported buying interest in companies with strong earnings, selling prevailed at the open. Japan’s September national consumer price index (CPI) rose 2.1% year on year on a headline basis, while the increase in the index excluding food heightened inflation concerns.
Among the top decliners on the TSE Prime Market today were Furukawa Electric, KOKUSAI, Murata Manufacturing, SoftBank Group and DISCO. Murata Manufacturing opened at ¥6,119, down ¥313 from the previous day, while SoftBank Group opened at ¥4,059, down ¥246. By contrast, Chugai Pharmaceutical and Fast Retailing were among the gainers. By sector, banking, machinery, and iron and steel declined, while pharmaceuticals and retail rose.