In brief
Tokyo stocks closed mixed on Thursday as investors pulled money out of technology shares amid worries that a Democratic win in the U.S. could tighten data‑center rules. The Nikkei fell 1.79% to 61,077.90, while the broader Topix rose 1.16% to 3,940.39. AI and semiconductor names suffered the biggest losses, while other sectors attracted buying interest.
TOKYO, Nov. 5 – Tokyo stocks finished mixed Thursday as investors pulled money from technology shares and moved funds into other sectors amid concerns over data‑center construction following the Democrats’ victories in both chambers of the U.S. Congress in the midterm elections.
The benchmark Nikkei stock index dropped 1,110.73 points, or 1.79 percent, to 61,077.90. In contrast, the broader Topix index gained 45.01 points, or 1.16 percent, to 3,940.39.
Early trading saw the Nikkei in positive territory, but the index slid into negative territory as shares linked to artificial intelligence and semiconductors came under selling pressure. Dealers cited concerns that a Democratic win in the United States could lead to tighter restrictions on data‑center construction, which underpinned investors’ decisions.
Despite the weakness in technology shares, a wide range of other stocks attracted buying interest. The shift followed relief after the U.S. midterm elections became clear and investors sought exposure to non‑tech sectors. Sources confirmed that the sell‑off was driven by data‑center concerns, while the broader market’s modest gains reflected a mix of newfound clarity on the election outcome and broader investor caution toward technology companies.
