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Tokyo Stocks (Opening): Decline Continues as Middle East Tensions Weigh on Market Sentiment

Tue Mar 31, 2026 9:03 am JST Market

Tokyo stock markets opened sharply lower on the 31st, with the Nikkei Stock Average falling 503 yen from the previous trading day to 51,382 yen at the opening, marking a continued decline.

While major European stock markets generally rose the previous day, the U.S. market saw notable declines in technology stocks, particularly semiconductors. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose as much as nearly 460 dollars at one point but subsequently erased those gains, and although it managed to close in positive territory, strong selling pressure on rallies was evident. Today's Tokyo market is also inheriting the weakness in U.S. semiconductor stocks, with downside risks particularly pronounced among major semiconductor-related issues. The market is expected to remain sensitive to movements in crude oil prices such as WTI crude futures and domestic long-term interest rates. News flow regarding the Middle East during trading hours is also likely to influence investor sentiment.

Source: MINKABU PRESS

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