FX.co ★ Japanese Shares Slip on Weak Wall Street Cues

The Nikkei 225 Index experienced a 0.3% decline, dropping below the 34,200 mark on Wednesday. This dip interrupted a two-day upward trend, driven primarily by negative signals from Wall Street as investor sentiment was dampened by uncertainties regarding earnings and tariff issues. Domestic data revealed that manufacturer sentiment reached its highest point in eight months in April. Despite this positive development, the outlook remains cautious due to escalating concerns over U.S. tariffs. The focus has now shifted to the forthcoming trade discussions between Japan and the U.S., where Japan is advocating for the full elimination of tariffs imposed during the Trump administration. Notably, the technology and consumer sectors were hit hardest, with Disco Corp falling by 3.3%, Advantest dropping 4.1%, Nintendo decreasing by 1.3%, and Fast Retailing slipping by 0.5%.