TOKYO – Tokyo stocks opened lower today on profit-taking despite US rallies, with investors closely watching the US presidential election campaigns.
The benchmark Nikkei 225 index was down 0.14%, or 33.56 points, to 23,586.13 in early trade, while the broader Topix index slipped 0.12%, or 2.02 points, to 1,645.36.
“The Japanese market is seen to be dominated by profit-taking, extending weak performances on Friday,” said senior market analyst Toshiyuki Kanayama of Monex in a note.
Investors remained cautious ahead of corporate earnings season later this month, and are closely watching developments in the US election campaigns, said analysts.
The dollar fetched ¥105.60 in early Asian trade, against ¥105.61 in New York late Friday.
Among major shares in Tokyo, Toyota was down 0.72% at ¥6,917 despite a 25% rise in its vehicle sales in China last month, while its rival Honda was down 1.53% at ¥2,542.50.
ANA Holdings was up 0.9% at ¥2,422 after a weekend report that the airline will allow its employees to do a side job. Its rival Japan Airlines was down 0.52% at ¥1,990.
On Wall Street, the Dow ended 0.6% higher at 28,586.90 on Friday. Today is a public holiday in the US. – AFP, October 12, 2020