[Economy] Nikkei Stock Average falls sharply (down 1,253 yen) — US tech stock decline and rising oil prices weigh on the market, with widespread selling led by semiconductor …

In the Tokyo stock market on October 13, 2026, following a three-day weekend, the Nikkei Stock Average closed with a sharp consecutive decline, down 1,253.40 yen from the previous day (67,777.52 yen).

Following a decline in the US tech sector and rising oil prices due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, selling spread across a wide range of stocks from the opening bell, led by high-priced semiconductor-related shares. Here is an easy-to-understand explanation of today’s market trends and their background.

1. Market Highlights: Why did the Nikkei fall so sharply today?

• Nasdaq decline and concentrated selling in semiconductor-related stocks: In the US stock market on the 12th, the Nasdaq index fell following a downgrade of the tech sector’s investment rating by a prominent short-selling investor. Carrying over this trend, selling also took precedence in the Tokyo market for semiconductor and electronic component-related stocks such as Tokyo Electron and Advantest.

• Chilling investor sentiment due to rising oil prices and Middle East tensions: With crude oil futures prices trending upward in overseas markets against a backdrop of uncertainty regarding the situation in the Middle East, investors’ risk-aversion (cautious stance) intensified due to concerns over rising costs and inflation.

• Decline widened toward the morning close: The Nikkei, which widened its losses from the opening, dropped to the 67,000 yen level by the morning close. Although the decline slowed slightly in the afternoon session, buying back was sluggish, and a selling-dominant trend continued throughout the day.

2. Today’s Market Data and Sector Trends

• Nikkei Stock Average: 67,777.52 yen (down 1,253.40 yen from the previous day)

• TSE Prime Market Trading Volume: 2.35628 billion shares

• TSE Prime Market Trading Value: 7.964 trillion yen

• Advance/Decline Ratio:

• Sector Trends:

  • Gaining Sectors: Marine transportation, mining, wholesale trade, etc. (market-sensitive and resource/trading company stocks showed resilience)

  • Losing Sectors: Non-ferrous metals, electric appliances, information and communications, etc. (high-tech and semiconductor-related stocks were hit hardest)

3. Key Individual Stock Movements

Major stocks that bucked the trend (Gainers)

Despite the sharp decline in the index, some stocks rose on the back of strong performance and defensive capital shifts.

• Fast Retailing (9983): 73,790 yen (+2,010 yen), providing support to the index

• Konami Group (9766): 23,765 yen (+645 yen)

• Recruit Holdings (6098): 18,020 yen (+265 yen)

• Others: Fanuc (6954), Toyota Tsusho (8015), Toyota Motor (7203), Itochu (8001), Mitsubishi Corp (8058), etc.

Major stocks that weighed on the market (Losers)

Semiconductor, electronic component, and wire-related stocks, which were hit directly by the decline in US tech stocks, led the losses.

• Semiconductor and Manufacturing Equipment Related: Tokyo Electron (8035), Advantest (6857), Lasertec (6920), Screen HD (7735), Disco (6146)

• Large-cap IT, Electronic Components, and Others: SoftBank Group (9984), Kioxia HD (285A), Ibiden (4062), Fujikura (5803), TDK (6762), Murata Manufacturing (6981), etc.

Summary: Points to Watch Moving Forward

This sharp decline was a correction driven by the convergence of external factors: the adjustment in US tech stocks and rising oil prices.

With US inflation indicators (CPI on the 14th, PPI on the 15th) scheduled for release this week, the market is expected to remain nervous for the time being as it gauges inflation trends, the outlook for US interest rates, and the movement of oil prices.

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