Against the backdrop of developments in U.S. markets, the Nikkei Average fell slightly in the morning session, down ¥275.12 at ¥61,913.51. In the afternoon session, weakness in semiconductor-related stocks weighed on the market, which was briefly down more than ¥800.
The Nikkei Average showed signs of upward momentum at the open following gains in U.S. equities, but its morning-session movement was limited amid declines in semiconductor-related stocks. It was down ¥275.12 from the previous day, while estimated trading volume exceeded 1.8 billion shares.
Selling in semiconductor-related stocks spread in the afternoon session. Buying in some major stocks supported the market at times, but the market as a whole was briefly down more than ¥800. Stock movements following the release of domestic companies’ earnings were a focus for the market.
Among individual stocks, Fast Retailing and Sony Group were among the gainers, while Advantest and Tokyo Electron were among the decliners. By sector, real estate and rubber products rose, while marine transportation and mining declined. The Nikkei Average and TOPIX were expected to show divergent directions in the afternoon session, while the release of U.S. employment data was expected to affect subsequent market trends.