TOKYO: Japan’s Nikkei share average fell as investors assessed the impact of a military conflict in the Middle East, which sent oil prices surging, potentially affecting the nation’s economy.
The Nikkei was down 1.9% at 57,702 as of 0013 GMT, while the broader Topix slipped 2.1% to 3,854.52.
Chip-related heavyweights dragged on the index, with Advantest and Tokyo Electron falling 2% each. Conflict in the Middle East intensified as military action by the United States and Israel against Iran continued, with Iran retaliating with missile strikes across the region, raising fears of broader regional instability.
Energy shares rose, with the energy explorers index jumping 9%, while Inpex leapt 7% to become the Nikkei’s top percentage gainer.
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