The Nikkei Average experienced a period of sharp declines in the morning session, but pared its losses in the afternoon session and ultimately closed down ¥93 at ¥66,311. TOPIX rose for the first time in 8 sessions, while the TSE Growth Market edged lower.
The Nikkei Average fell sharply immediately after trading began, reaching a level ¥1,573 lower at 9:06 a.m. It subsequently narrowed its losses and showed signs of recovery through the end of the session, ultimately ending trading down ¥93 at ¥66,311.
Among individual stocks, INPEX rose 2.1% and Kansai Electric Power gained 7.6%, extending their advances, while Ichibanya rebounded sharply following reports that House Foods Group was considering a sale. Sony Group, meanwhile, fell, while Strike Group posted a sharp advance after its outlook for business performance was viewed favorably following an upward revision.
VIEW POINT indicated that persistently high Japanese and U.S. interest rates and the employment report would be the focus this week, while emphasizing TOPIX's overall strength.