Selling led from the opening in Tokyo, with the Nikkei starting at ¥68,847, down ¥372 from the previous day. Concerns over rising long-term interest rates and higher oil prices are being viewed as market factors.
Selling led at the opening of the Tokyo market on the 18th, with the Nikkei Stock Average starting at ¥68,847, down ¥372 from the previous day. Weakness in the U.S. and European markets on the previous day has made rising long-term interest rates a drag on the market. Developments in oil prices have also been cited as a concern.
The Nikkei has risen approximately ¥3,600 over the past 5 trading days, and profit-taking was prevalent at times. Some observers also pointed to the possibility of slightly stronger buying interest on dips, particularly in semiconductor-related stocks.
In the U.S. market, the Dow and Nasdaq continued to decline, while the SOX Index rose 1.6%, indicating strength in the semiconductor sector. As a result, domestic markets are expected to see renewed interest in AI- and semiconductor-related stocks.