Japanese Indices Retreat for Second Consecutive SessionTokyo, 20 Aug (ONA) — Japanese stock indices fell for the second consecutive session, amid investor profit-taking to lock in previous gains, which coincided with pressures on Asian technology stocks.
The Tokyo Stock Exchange reported that the Nikkei 225, comprising 225 issues, ended today’s session down 1.51 percent, or 657.74 points, closing at 42,888.55. Meanwhile, the broader Topix index declined 0.57 percent, or 17.72 points, to close at 3,098.91.
On the forex front, the US dollar weakened against its Japanese counterpart by about 0.21 percent, trading at 147.36 yen in morning dealings. At the same time, the yield on 10-year Japanese government bonds rose by over one basis point to 1.603 percent.
SoftBank Group’s stock dropped 7.14 percent, equivalent to JPY 1,145, closing at JPY 14,890. Additionally, Advantest, the chip-testing equipment manufacturer, fell 5.65 percent, or JPY 645, ending at JPY 10,765. — Ends/AH