Nikkei Weakens, Topix Rises—Japanese Markets “Different Directions”
Japanese stocks traded mixed today. The Nikkei 225 index fell 0.2% to 53,256.62 due to pressure from electronics stocks, while the Topix index rose 0.5% to 3,561.66 thanks to strength in other sectors.
The Nikkei's decline was primarily driven by large technology stocks: Advantest fell 5.3% and Keyence fell 3.8%. Meanwhile, defensive and commodity sectors helped cushion the decline, with Chugai Pharmaceutical surging 4.4% and Eneos Holdings rising 3.0%.
In the foreign exchange market, USD/JPY strengthened to 153.39 from 152.96 at the Tokyo close on Thursday. Investors are now awaiting the release of earnings reports from companies such as Daiichi Sankyo, Hoya, and Komatsu, while monitoring Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's economic plans ahead of the general election early next month. (az)
Source: Newsmaker.id