No surprise here. It’s not really news since the Golden Week effect continues. One more day to go and then the markets are closed until Monday.

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average lost 125.43 (-0.72%) to 17,274.98 (range: 17,203 - 17,396). N225 futures in Osaka lost 0.75% to 17,280 (range: 17,210 - 17,430). TOPIX 1st Section was down 7.75 (-0.46%) to 1,693.25 (range: 1,689 - 1,704). Decliners outnumbered advancers 966 x 634 (126 unchanged) and only 7 of 33 sectors posted gains.

Following a recent trend reversal, JASDAQ closed higher, +0.62% to 81.45 (range: 80.86 - 81.55). Yen weakness persists as it flirts with 120 against the dollar.