Selling dominated AI-related stocks, particularly on the TSE Prime Market, on 14 September following the Anthropic CEO's view that AI development should slow. The Nikkei 225 extended its decline before paring losses in the afternoon, while movements in AI- and semiconductor-related stocks influenced the market overall.
The Nikkei 225 opened sharply lower on 14 September 2026, falling as much as 1,285.16 points from the previous weekend's close during the morning session, but narrowed its losses after selling subsided. Market factors included the outlook for interest rates in Japan and the United States, rising crude oil prices and concerns that the pace of AI development may slow.
AI-related stocks generally remained weak, with semiconductor stocks leading the decline and driving the market lower. Some domestic-demand stocks were relatively firm at times, but market attention overall focused on stocks susceptible to the impact of AI-related developments.
Trading volume on the TSE Prime Market declined, while trading value was ¥7,286.660 billion. The stocks among the largest negative contributors included SoftBank Group, Advantest, Kioxia Holdings, Tokyo Electron and Fujikura, weighing on the Nikkei 225. The largest positive contributors included Recruit Holdings, Konami Group, Sony Group, Bandai Namco Holdings and Fast Retailing.