The Nikkei fell more than ¥1,500 at one point in Tokyo trading today. Crude oil futures prices rose amid growing uncertainty over the outlook for the situation in the Middle East, spreading concerns about inflation in the Tokyo market and increasing selling orders.
The Nikkei Stock Average fell more than ¥1,500 at one point in Tokyo trading today. News reports have fueled broader views that uncertainty over the outlook for the situation in the Middle East is intensifying, with the rise in international crude oil futures prices cited as a contributing factor. Market participants said selling pressure strengthened as concerns about inflation grew.
Uncertainty over the situation in the Middle East has been cited as a factor behind the rise in crude oil prices, and views are spreading that this could fuel upward pressure on prices worldwide. Similar concerns have spread in the Japanese market, with reports saying that investors have adopted a more risk-averse stance. Some analysts believe the Nikkei's decline will remain temporary, but attention is focused on further developments.
Related news today has also covered the decline in the Tokyo market, movements in long-term interest rates and turmoil in energy markets. Developments could change depending on how the situation in the Middle East unfolds and how the crude oil market moves, and investors are expected to continue checking the latest information.