The Nikkei average opened slightly lower for a second straight session. While lower U.S. semiconductor stocks weighed on sentiment at times, Tokyo Electron was firm and Advantest was soft, with other major stocks also showing mixed performance.
The Nikkei average opened at ¥65,978.95, down 0.06% from the previous day. Selling related to lower semiconductor stocks in the U.S. market dominated early trading, but the index also turned positive soon afterward, leaving the market directionless.
AI and semiconductor-related stocks were mixed. Advantest was soft and SoftBank Group edged lower, while Tokyo Electron showed firm performance.
Among major stocks, Toyota Motor was soft, Sony Group was firm, and Fast Retailing edged lower, highlighting divergent performance across individual stocks.