The Nikkei fell 0.96% to shut at 39,894.54 after opening 0.11% increased. It ended at a five-month closing excessive of 40,281.16 on Friday after a three-session profitable streak.
The index rose 19.22% this yr, underpinned by a weaker yen and the Japanese central financial institution’s low-rate coverage. In 2023, it had gained 28%.
The broader Topix eased 0.6% to 2.784.92.
“Buyers bought shares right this moment as a result of they might not discover clear causes for the Nikkei to cross the 40,000 ranges,” mentioned Fumio Matsumoto, chief strategist at Okasan Securities.
“However that doesn’t imply buyers are pessimistic in regards to the market within the coming yr. They could simply need to keep away from dangers in the course of the market shut in Japan for the brand new yr, which is longer than regular.” Japanese markets will reopen on Jan. 6, 2025, after closing for the New 12 months holidays beginning Tuesday. Uniqlo-brand proprietor Quick Retailing shed 1.59% to pull on the Nikkei probably the most. Chip-testing tools maker Advantest fell 2.6%.
Nissan Motor slipped 5.73% to grow to be the most important share loser on the benchmark. The carmaker surged 33.7% this month as merger talks with peer Honda Motor surfaced. Nevertheless, the inventory ended the yr 13.39% decrease.
Fujikura, which makes wire cabling for information centres, grew six-fold this yr, changing into the highest share gainer on the Nikkei.
Lasertec, which makes inspection tools utilized in chip-making, fell 59% this yr and was Nikkei’s worst performer of the yr.
