Japanese stocks rise slightly as semiconductor sector declines

Japanese stocks rose at the end of the first session of the week today, Monday, despite the semiconductor sector suffering losses due to news circulating about China warning of taking action if Japan imposes further restrictions on the supply of chip-making equipment.

The Tokyo Stock Exchange reported that the Nikkei 225 index ended today’s session slightly higher by 0.14%, or 53.12 points, to reach the index 38,700.87 points. The broader Topix index also rose by 0.12%, or 3.36 points, to close at 2,715.99 points. Shares of chip-making equipment maker Tokyo Electron fell 1.09 percent, or 280 yen, to 25,525 yen at the close, Disco Corp fell 3.07 percent, or 1,310 yen, to 41,350 yen and Laser Tech fell 2.28 percent, or 640 yen, to 27,440 yen. In terms of exchange rates, the US currency was steady at 146.20 yen against its Japanese counterpart.