TOKYO: Japan’s Nikkei share average fell on Thursday as a surge in oil prices, driven by reports of possible US military action to break the Iran stalemate, and mixed corporate earnings dampened investor appetite.
The Nikkei 225 Index fell 1.1 percent to close at 59,284.92 but posted a monthly gain of 16.1 percent, its strongest since October 2025. The broader Topix lost 1.2 percent to 3,727.21.
“Amid concerns over the situation in the Middle East and with earnings reports set to be released soon, the market is in a wait-and-see mood,” said Naoki Fujiwara, senior fund manager at Shinkin Asset Management.
“Since this falls between holiday periods, buying interest is not especially strong, and because price levels remain high, profit-taking is emerging.”
US President Donald Trump will receive a briefing later in the day from the leader of the US Central Command on new plans for potential military action against Iran, Axios reported.
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