The Nikkei Average was weak in afternoon trading, at one point falling by about ¥604 from the previous day. Semiconductor and AI-related stocks were sold amid reports that Huang, the CEO of US-based Nvidia, would be dismissed.
The Nikkei Stock Average was weak in afternoon trading, falling at 2:46 p.m. as much as ¥604.80 from the previous day to ¥66,643.79. TOPIX also moved into negative territory, weighed down by declines in semiconductor and AI-related stocks.
During the day, the Nikkei had risen as much as ¥529.85 to ¥61,788.44 in morning trading. Although information about CEO Huang's dismissal had been widely known before the market opened, it had supported the market.
In afternoon trading, semiconductor stocks came under pressure, and the Nikkei Average weakened. Reports concerning CEO Huang's dismissal and personnel changes at the company brought uncertainty, spreading a risk-off mood. South Korea's KOSPI also turned lower in the afternoon.