Japan’s Nikkei falls as chip-related stocks weigh

Japan’s Nikkei average fell on Tuesday after advancing earlier in the session, weighed down by chip-related stocks and uncertainty over the Bank of Japan’s monetary policy.

The Nikkei fell 0.08% to 38,444.58, paring a 0.78% gain earlier in the day and falling for a fifth straight session. The broader Topix index rose 0.31% to 2,690.81.

Advantest, the biggest drag on the Nikkei, lost 3.45%, while chip testing equipment maker and supplier to Nvidia Corp. has fallen 12% since the start of the week.