The Nikkei Stock Average fell more than approximately ¥1,000 in the afternoon, closing near its low. It was down ¥993.60 from the previous day at ¥69,042.11, while TOPIX also plunged to 4,091.46 points.
The Nikkei average fell sharply in the afternoon session, down approximately ¥993.60 from the previous day, and was forced to close at the low toward the end of the session. The exchange rate continued to trade around ¥158 to the dollar.
Trading volume on the TSE Prime Market was 2.32915 billion shares, with trading value of ¥7.6133 trillion. There were 327 advancing issues, 1,182 declining issues and 43 unchanged issues.
By sector, 26 of the 33 sectors declined and 7 rose. Nonferrous metal stocks such as Furukawa Electric and Fujikura, and glass and stone product stocks such as TOTO and NGK, gave up ground, while marine transportation stocks such as Nippon Yusen and Kawasaki Kisen, and service stocks such as en and Recruit Holdings, remained firm.
Although some buying was seen in the afternoon, caution strengthened, particularly among stocks awaiting earnings announcements, and the market again weakened toward the close. Stock movements were generally weak, with stocks awaiting earnings announcements in particular affecting the broader market.