The Nikkei Average opened lower for a second straight session in Tokyo trading on the 2nd, with the opening price at ¥65,195.43, down ¥1,019.91 from the previous day. Selling by investors has spread following the previous day's decline in U.S. stocks, against a backdrop of U.S. airstrikes on Iran and rising long-term interest rates.
The Nikkei Stock Average began trading sharply lower, at ¥65,195.43 at the opening, down ¥1,019.91 from the previous day. This morning's move has been attributed to factors including the possibility of U.S. airstrikes on Iran and rising long-term U.S. interest rates.
The Nikkei's decline temporarily exceeded ¥1,400, with selling leading across a broad range of stocks. Investors have made clear their stance of reducing the risks associated with their holdings, and selling pressure was said to have spread across the Tokyo market as a whole.
Market participants are weighing developments in U.S. markets and interest rates as they assess how to respond. The possibility of continued short-term volatility due to the impact of daily news has been noted.
The Nikkei fell sharply in the initial move of the day's trading, but some market participants believe whether trading will settle down in the afternoon will depend on developments in U.S. markets and interest rates.