The Nikkei Average was down around ¥1,700 in the morning session two days ago and remained weak after selling led the market initially. Declines in U.S. markets and Middle East risks weighed on sentiment.
The Nikkei Average traded around ¥1,700 below the previous day's close in the morning session two days ago, reaching ¥64,396.05 at 9:41 a.m. Selling led the market after U.S. stocks declined, amid concerns over rising long-term interest rates.
By sector, 32 of the 33 sectors declined. Steel, nonferrous metals and electrical appliances were weak, while marine transportation stocks traded at elevated levels. Nippon Yusen and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines were relatively firm. Electric power and gas stocks and machinery stocks also weakened.
In the Tokyo foreign exchange market, the dollar traded in the low ¥160s and the euro in the mid-¥185s as of 10:00 a.m.