Japan's Nikkei falls on geopolitical concerns after Israel attacks Iran
TOKYO: Japan's Nikkei share average fell on Friday, mirroring moves in US stock futures, oil and other stock markets on news that Israel had conducted a military strike on Iran.
As of 0106 GMT, the Nikkei was down 1.5 per centat 37,584.47.
The broader Topix fell 1.28 per cent to 2,7473.9.
"The market was selling stocks on caution for geopolitical risks, but the news was not driving a fire sale because investors still wanted to monitor the development of the attacks," said Naoki Fujiwara, a senior fund manager at Shinkin Asset Management.
Israel has begun carrying out strikes on Iran, two US officials said on Thursday, adding that there was no US assistance or involvement in the operation.
Chip-making equipment maker Tokyo Electron fell 5.5 per cent to drag the Nikkei the most. Uniqlo-brand owner Fast Retailing lost 2.1 per cent.
Exporters fell as the yen strengthened, with Toyota Motor and Nissan Motor falling 2.75 per cent and 1.5 per cent, respectively.
All but three of the Tokyo Stock Exchange's 33 industry sub-indexes fell.
Energy sectors rose as oil prices jumped, with oil explorers and refiners gaining 3.6 per cent and 2.2 per cent, respectively.
The utility sector rose 0.7 per cent.
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