Middle East Stalemate Impacts Investment Confidence; Nikkei Closes Lower After Hitting 60,000 Points

(CNA, Tokyo, 23rd) The Nikkei index touched the 60,000-point mark for the first time today. However, due to the stalemate in US-Iran peace talks and the refusal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, concerns over geopolitical risks and potential waterway blockades severely damaged investor confidence. After setting a historic high, Japanese stocks turned lower under the influence of market anxiety.

The benchmark Nikkei 225 index fell by 445.63 points, or 0.75%, closing at 59,140.23 points.

The broader Topix index dropped 28.61 points, or 0.76%, closing at 3,716.38 points. (Compiled by Li Pei-shan) 1150423