The Nikkei 225 Index Closes 0.35% Lower

The Nikkei 225 Index fell 0.25% to close at 64,996 while the broader Topix Index lost 0.1% to 3,938 on Tuesday, with both benchmarks easing from record highs as investors locked in profits while monitoring the latest developments in the Middle East. The US military reportedly targeted missile launch sites and vessels suspected of attempting to deploy mines in southern Iran, although President Donald Trump said talks with Tehran were progressing well. On the domestic front, Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Ryozo Himino said the central bank remains committed to further interest-rate hikes, though the timing and pace would depend on how the Middle East conflict affects Japan’s economy and inflation outlook. Technology and artificial intelligence-related stocks retreated after leading Monday’s rally, with losses from Kioxia Holdings (-4.6%), Fujikura (-4%), and Advantest (-6.1%). In contrast, SoftBank Group surged another 10.9% and is now up more than 50% over the past four sessions.

The Nikkei 225 Index fell 229 points or 0.35 percent on Tuesday to close at 64930 points. Leading the losses are Hino Motors (-7.69%), Chugai Pharma (-6.58%) and Advantest (-5.89%). Top gainers were Softbank (11.07%), Taiyo Yuden (9.48%) and AGC (6.37%).

Japan’s Nikkei 225 Index fell 0.5% to below 65,000, while the broader Topix Index slipped 0.1% to 3,938 on Tuesday, with both benchmarks easing from record highs as investors continued to track diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the US-Iran conflict. President Donald Trump said negotiations were progressing well, although he warned that fresh attacks could follow if talks failed, while a Pakistani mediator reportedly told China that an agreement was nearing. A full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz would also ease pressure on major Asian economies that rely heavily on Middle Eastern oil imports. Technology and artificial intelligence-related shares retreated after driving Monday’s rally, led by declines in Kioxia Holdings (-3.5%), Fujikura (-4%), and Advantest (-4.9%). In contrast, SoftBank Group surged another 6% and is now up nearly 50% in four sessions following reports that two of its portfolio companies, OpenAI and SB Energy, are moving closer to US initial public offerings.