The Nikkei 225 fell following the previous day's sharp rise. The morning close was ¥68,326.72, with trading volume estimated at more than 1.1 billion shares. US stocks remained modestly higher, but localized volatility emerged amid higher oil prices, and buying entered nonferrous metals, mining and oil-related stocks.
The Nikkei 225 fell following the previous day's sharp rise, opening the morning session down ¥643.26 at ¥68,313.46 before closing at ¥68,326.72. Estimated trading volume was 1.11559 billion shares. US stocks rose modestly in the previous day's session, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average closing higher while gains and losses alternated depending on oil price movements.
Following developments in Japan and the United States, short-term profit-taking and selling while awaiting a rebound emerged readily in the Japanese market, limiting the decline as trading continued in negative territory. Buying entered nonferrous metals, mining and oil-related stocks, supporting the downside.
Among individual stocks, Advantest, Fujikura, Ibiden, Sumitomo Wiring Systems and Lasertec rose. In contrast, SoftBank Group, Tokyo Electron, Fast Retailing, Terumo and TDK were among the stocks that fell.
The afternoon session is expected to remain soft and range-bound, with high domestic long-term interest rates and higher oil prices potentially weighing on investor sentiment. Meanwhile, the level above the ¥68,000 mark and the 75-day moving average suggest solid downside support.