Japan's Nikkei Falls for Fourth Session

2026-02-17 00:48 By Jam Kaimo Samonte 1 min. read

The Nikkei 225 Index fell 0.42% to close at 56,566 while the broader Topix Index lost 0.68% to 3,762 on Tuesday, with the former sliding for the fourth straight session, weighed down by losses in technology and defense stocks.

Persistent concerns over AI-driven disruption to certain sectors, particularly across software, business services, and media, continued to pressure growth-oriented names.

SoftBank Group dropped 5.1% amid its heavy exposure to the global tech sector, while HR tech company Recruit Holdings slid 3.9%.

Defense-related shares also retreated, with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kawasaki Heavy Industries falling 2.8% and 4.4%, respectively.

Pharmaceutical and consumer names were likewise under pressure, contributing to the broader weakness.

On the policy front, Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda said that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made no specific requests during their regular meeting on Monday, offering little in the way of fresh monetary or fiscal signals.



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