Japanese Shares Struggle as Bond Yields, Oil Prices Weigh

2026-09-01 07:01 By Jam Kaimo Samonte 1 min. read

The Nikkei 225 Index fell 0.15% to close at 66,215, while the broader Topix Index rose 0.62% to 4,182 in mixed trade on Tuesday, with Japanese shares struggling for momentum as rising global bond yields and higher oil prices heightened concerns over inflation and interest rate hikes.

Japan’s 10-year government bond yield climbed to around 3%, its highest level since 1996, amid growing expectations that the Bank of Japan will raise rates this month to curb yen weakness and import-driven inflation.

Meanwhile, oil prices advanced for a second straight session as renewed conflict in the Middle East fueled uncertainty.

Notable losses came from index heavyweights Fujikura (-3.7%), Advantest (-0.9%) and Tokyo Electron (-2.6%), while Kioxia Holdings (2%), Taiyo Yuden (1.1%) and SoftBank Group (1.2%) posted gains.



News Stream
Japanese Shares Slide as Tech Selloff Resumes
Japan’s Nikkei 225 Index dropped 2.65% to 62,908 on Thursday, closing at its lowest level in nearly three months as renewed selling pressure hit technology and artificial intelligence stocks. Investors continued to question whether massive AI investments would generate sufficient returns, particularly as Japanese companies play a significant role in the global AI infrastructure expansion. Sentiment was further dampened by rising oil prices following deadly attacks on a Saudi oil field, intensifying geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and adding to inflationary concerns. Japan remains especially vulnerable to regional disruptions due to its heavy reliance on oil imports from the Middle East. Technology stocks recorded notable losses, with Kioxia Holdings falling 6.8%, Advantest and Taiyo Yuden each declining 6%, SoftBank Group dropping 6.9%, and Tokyo Electron sliding 7%.
2026-10-22
The Nikkei 225 Index Closes 2.60% Lower
The Nikkei 225 Index dropped 1679 points or 2.60 percent on Thursday to close at 62942 points. Losses were led by Resonac Holdings (-11.06%), Screen Holdings (-8.44%) and Sumco (-7.73%).
2026-10-22
Japanese Shares Drop as Tech Rally Fades
The Nikkei 225 Index fell 1.6% to below 64,000 on Thursday, hitting five-week lows as the recent technology rally, supported by strong earnings and renewed optimism surrounding artificial intelligence, began to lose steam. Japanese equities also tracked a decline in US stock futures after major Wall Street companies delivered mixed results. Investors continued to assess whether substantial AI investments would eventually generate sufficient revenue. Meanwhile, rising oil prices following a deadly attack on a Saudi oil field added to concerns over supply disruptions and inflation. Japan remains particularly exposed to instability in the Middle East due to its heavy dependence on oil imports from the region. Technology stocks mostly traded lower, with notable losses from Kioxia Holdings (-0.9%), Tokyo Electron (-3.7%), SoftBank Group (-0.7%), Ibiden Co (-2.6%) and Fujikura (-2.8%).
2026-10-22