Tokyo stocks fall in early trading Thursday as semiconductor shares follow overnight declines in the U.S. market. However, losses remained limited because investors looked for bargain opportunities after the Nikkei index dropped the previous day. In the first 15 minutes, the Nikkei Stock Average decreased by 120.53 points, or 0.28 percent, to close at 42,768.02. At the same time, the broader Topix index fell 11.33 points, or 0.37 percent, reaching 3,087.58.
On the Prime Market, sectors such as pharmaceuticals, land transportation, and transportation equipment experienced the largest drops. These declines contributed to the overall weakness in the market early Thursday. Meanwhile, currency markets showed the U.S. dollar trading at 147.29 to 147.30 yen at 9 a.m. in Tokyo. This rate was nearly steady compared with 147.28 to 147.38 yen in New York during the previous session. On Wednesday afternoon in Tokyo, the dollar traded slightly higher at 147.62 to 147.64 yen.
Additionally, the euro was priced at $1.1650 to $1.1651 and 171.58 to 171.65 yen. This compared with $1.1644 to $1.1654 and 171.66 to 171.76 yen in New York earlier. The euro traded at $1.1644 to $1.1646 and 171.90 to 171.94 yen in Tokyo late Wednesday.
Despite the early losses, investors showed some optimism by hunting for bargains in beaten-down stocks. This buying interest helped prevent sharper declines in the market. Analysts say this reflects a cautious but opportunistic mood among traders.
Overall, Tokyo stocks fall modestly, mainly pressured by semiconductor shares. Still, bargain hunting provided some stability during early trading. Market watchers will keep an eye on upcoming economic data and global trends for further direction.
