The Nikkei Stock Average was trading around ¥1,121 below the previous day's level at the end of the morning session, with the slowdown in semiconductor stocks widening the decline. Following weakness in the US market, gainers at times outnumbered decliners on the TSE Prime Market.
The Nikkei Stock Average ended the morning session on the 18th at ¥68,098.54, down ¥1,121.71 from the previous day. The TOPIX fell to 4,165.11 points.
Japanese stocks remained weak following declines in all three major US market indexes the previous day. The market came under increasing pressure toward the 10 a.m. hour, with losses widening further toward the end of the session. Semiconductor stocks remained sluggish, and the market was at times influenced by movements in the SOX index.
Advantest, Tokyo Electron and Kioxia were among the stocks making the largest contributions to the decline. By sector, some electrical appliance, nonferrous metal and fabricated metal product stocks were weak. In contrast, shipping, oil and gas, and mining stocks showed relative strength.
Trading volume for the day was 1,091.54 million shares, while trading value was ¥5.3398 trillion, indicating continued large-scale trading. The yen moved narrowly in the high ¥159 range against the US dollar and the high ¥184 range against the euro. Across the market, including private markets, decliners at times outnumbered gainers, while around 40 stocks reached new highs.