The Nikkei 225 Index fell 1.79% to close at 61,078 on Thursday, declining for a fourth consecutive session as technology shares came under renewed pressure amid mounting concerns over artificial intelligence development. Sentiment weakened as investors grew more cautious about the prospect of tighter regulations on data-center investments following Democratic gains in the US midterm elections.
Among the sharpest decliners were Kioxia Holdings (-13.1%), Advantest (-14.7%), and Ibiden Co (-16.3%). At the same time, investors rotated into other segments of the market, particularly consumer and financial stocks, helping to lift shares of Fast Retailing (4.7%), Nintendo (6.3%), and Mitsubishi UFJ (2.7%).
In corporate news, Toyota Motor jumped 16.7% after the automaker raised its full-year earnings forecast, supported by stronger quarterly operating profit driven by a weaker yen and continued cost-cutting efforts.
