Nikkei Down 0.6%, Which Stocks Dominate?
Japan's Nikkei stock index fell 0.6% in early trading today, pressured by rising geopolitical threats following the US airstrike on Iran's nuclear site. Electronics sector stocks were the biggest losers, with Advantest down 3.0% and NEC Corp. down 2.4%. Tensions in the Middle East have raised investor concerns about the impact on energy supplies, so oil prices are expected to be affected.
Meanwhile, the yen exchange rate against the US dollar (USD/JPY) also showed weakness, moving to 146.20, compared to 145.40 at the close of the Tokyo stock market last Friday. Investors are now more focused on the latest developments in the Middle East, which could affect global energy prices and the Japanese stock market as a whole. The Nikkei index ended at 38,179.00, reflecting a more cautious market sentiment. (ayu)
Source: Newsmaker