In mid-afternoon trading in Tokyo on the 9th, Advantest extended its decline and fell further. The Nikkei average turned slightly higher in the afternoon session, while the overall market lacked clear direction.
The Nikkei average fluctuated around the previous session's close, and after the start of afternoon trading, Advantest's decline stood out, with the Nikkei at times falling into negative territory. Although no new negative catalysts emerged, there was no aggressive buying amid uncertainty over the outlook for foreign exchange rates and interest rates. Market participants said it would be difficult for the market to establish a clear direction ahead of the US Consumer Price Index (CPI) and next week's Japan-US monetary policy meetings.
At the start of afternoon trading, the Nikkei average opened up ¥267.95 from the previous day at ¥65,537.28 and held a modest gain. Some AI and semiconductor stocks attracted buying, while concern over higher crude oil prices made it difficult for the overall market to establish a clear direction. At the morning close, the Nikkei had posted a modest rebound from the previous close, while TOPIX was higher.