FX.co ★ Japanese Shares End Lower After Volatile Session

The Nikkei 225 Index fell 0.18% to close at 66,115 on Wednesday, erasing earlier gains as the recent rally in semiconductor shares lost momentum. Sentiment was further weighed by caution ahead of earnings reports from major US technology companies, including Alphabet and Tesla, which investors are watching closely for signals on the sector’s outlook.

At the same time, markets continued to track rising oil prices amid ongoing US strikes on Iranian targets for an 11th consecutive night, while President Donald Trump played down the chances of near-term talks with Tehran.

Among individual names, Tokyo Electron (-0.9%), SoftBank Group (-0.8%), and Fast Retailing (-2.8%) registered notable declines. In contrast, Kioxia Holdings (5.3%), Taiyo Yuden (6.7%), and Murata Manufacturing (4%) were among the session’s strongest performers.

On the macroeconomic front, Japan’s trade balance swung into deficit in June as import growth outpaced that of exports.