Japan Stocks Drop 0.6% at Finish
The Nikkei 225 fell 214 points or 0.6% to close at 37,315 on Wednesday, following small gains in the previous session. Meanwhile, the broader Topix index slipped 0.3%, giving up early gains.
These declines followed fresh trade data showing Japan’s exports grew at the slowest pace in seven months in April, as rising U.S. tariffs began to weigh. Exports to the U.S. fell for the first time in four months, driven by weaker demand for automobiles, steel, and ships.
According to the Nikkei newspaper, lead trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa is set to visit the U.S. on Friday for a third round of talks, seeking the removal of U.S. levies, not just a reduction. Meanwhile, U.S. futures dropped sharply, with doubts growing over the sustainability of Wall Street’s recent rally.
Sopo Holdings tumbled (-6.6%), alongside Tokio Marine Holdings (-3.2%), Advantest Corp. (-2.5%), and Sony Group Corp. (-1.8%). Meanwhile Toyota Motor edged up 0.1% after launching a new software system in its revamped RAV4.
Source: Trading Economi
