Nikkei 225 closes 1.4 percent lower as SoftBank sells off
Published on 10/08/2026 at 18:04 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWSKey points in brief
- Nikkei 225 closed at 69,042.11 points on October 8, 2026, down 1.42 percent.
- Rising US yields, Federal Reserve rate concerns and Middle East tensions pressured Japanese equities.
- SoftBank Group fell 4.28 percent, while Rohm lost 5.19 percent and Tokyo Electron declined 2.48 percent.
- Japan's household spending data and October options settlement are due on October 9, 2026.
Nikkei 225 closed at 69,042.11 points on October 8, 2026, down 1.42 percent, as rising US Treasury yields, Federal Reserve rate concerns and Middle East tensions weakened demand for Japanese equities. Xinhua reported that the index fell 993.60 points after investors locked in gains following its recent move above 70,000 points.
Nikkei 225 finishes at the session low
The index opened at 69,840.64 points, reached an intraday high of 69,918.20 and ended at its low of 69,042.11, according to Minkabu. The broader Topix fell 1.51 percent to 4,091.46 points.
SoftBank and chip stocks lead the declines
SoftBank Group dropped 4.28 percent and Tokyo Electron lost 2.48 percent, while Rohm fell 5.19 percent, according to QNA. The Nikkei 225 had 165 decliners, 56 advancers and four unchanged constituents. Rising yields and profit-taking after the recent rally were cited among the pressures on the market.
What comes next
Japan's August household spending data is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. JST on October 9, 2026, while September machine tool orders are due at 3:00 p.m. JST, according to Kabutan. The October options special quotation is also scheduled for that session. Fast Retailing reported fiscal 2026 revenue growth of 16.6 percent and said trading would resume on October 9 after its results announcement.
