The Nikkei Average traded down ¥332 at ¥65,195.23 during the morning session, with Advantest leading the decline. The index fell as low as ¥65,119.67 at one point during morning trading, and movements in Advantest shares are determining the direction of the index.
The Nikkei Stock Average traded lower in the morning session on the 25th, standing at ¥65,195.23 as of 11 a.m., down ¥332.86 from the previous day. On the TSE Prime Market, 761 stocks rose, 737 fell and 52 were unchanged, making for a closely balanced session. Declines in semiconductor-related stocks weighed on the broader market, with Advantest (6857.T) making the largest negative contribution to the Nikkei Average and a single stock accounting for a ¥292.04 drag.
Meanwhile, advancing stocks also made significant contributions. Fujikura (5803.T) pushed the Nikkei Average up ¥48.67, followed by Ibiden (4062.T) and SoftBank Group (9984.T), among others. Of the 33 sectors, 23 rose. Shipping led the gains, followed by nonferrous metals, insurance and land transportation.
The index fell as low as ¥65,119.67, down ¥408.42, at 10 a.m. during morning trading before narrowing its decline somewhat by 11 a.m. Advantest had a significant impact, leaving the Nikkei Average's direction dependent on movements in the company's shares.