The Nikkei Average extended its decline at the midday close on the 20th, ending the morning session down ¥404 at ¥64,512. Only 256 stocks on the TSE Prime Market gained, while 1,250 declined, intensifying the downward trend.
The Nikkei Average ended the morning session down ¥404.35 from the previous day at ¥64,512.35. The average's negative contribution totaled ¥205.5, with SoftBank Group the largest negative contributor.
Advantest was the largest positive contributor, adding ¥116.50 to the Nikkei Average, followed by Fast Retailing, Konami Group, Terumo and Bandai Namco Holdings. By sector, steel ranked first, while declines in nonferrous metals, banks and marine transportation stocks also stood out.
Across the market, 5 of 33 sectors advanced. Nonferrous metals, banks and marine transportation stocks were among the largest decliners. As of the midday close, declining stocks overwhelmingly outnumbered advancing stocks.