Japanese equities are broadly lower against the backdrop of US military developments and rising long-term interest rates, and are expected to remain near their lows in the afternoon session. Following the sharp morning drop, the Nikkei 225 is being watched at levels well below its 75-day moving average in the ¥66,600 range.
The Nikkei 225 is expected to remain near its lows in the afternoon session following the morning decline, and is trading at 64,473.16, down 1,742.18 from the previous day. The TOPIX is down 91.58 at 4,090.28.
In the United States, US Central Command was reportedly said to have announced the start of attacks targeting Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, raising concerns about higher crude oil prices and rising long-term interest rates. Japan's long-term interest rate rose to 3.015%, its highest level since September 1996.
The Nikkei 225 has fallen well below its 75-day moving average in the ¥66,600 range, which had been regarded as an upside resistance level. With investors seeking to assess geopolitical risks and interest-rate trends, active buying is expected to be restrained, according to market views.