Selling spread across semiconductor-related stocks following ASML's earnings, and the Nikkei 225 ended down 33 yen at 67,744 after narrowing its afternoon gains. The market opened higher, but selling pressure emerged after ASML's earnings release and weighed on the market.
The Tokyo market's Nikkei 225 started 164 yen higher and at one point rebounded, but profit-taking spread after semiconductor equipment maker ASML Holding released its earnings after the morning session, and gains faded in the afternoon. The Nikkei 225 ultimately ended down 33 yen at 67,744 for a fifth straight decline. The TOPIX also fell, while the TSE Growth 250 Index in the emerging market segment continued to decline.
Among individual stocks, Taiyo Yuden rebounded, rising 3.6% to ¥10,970. Aeon, meanwhile, fell 8.3% at one point to ¥1,101, renewing its year-to-date low. J. Front Retailing revised its operating profit outlook for the current fiscal year downward and ended trading down 4.8% at ¥2,635.5. Rengo rose 3.2% to ¥1,566.5 for a third straight gain, supported by its announcement of price increases for corrugated cardboard products.
WonderPlanet also fell sharply, down 6.5% at ¥744, after its loss after taxes widened. The weaker profit outlook from the previous fiscal year and the widening loss were seen as selling factors.
Results from earnings releases by Japanese and overseas companies are expected to remain market factors. Among Japanese companies, Ryohin Keikaku and Saizeriya have released their earnings today, while US companies including BlackRock, Bank of America and Morgan Stanley are scheduled to announce their results.