Tokyo Stocks: Nikkei 225 and TOPIX Daily — 2026-09-12
The Nikkei 225 plunged nearly 3% on September 11, closing below 63,500 yen as surging oil prices and rising global bond yields pressured equities. Foreign investors returned to net buying in the first week of September, signaling a tentative stabilization despite heightened volatility ahead of the Bank of Japan's upcoming policy decision.
Tokyo Stocks: Nikkei 225 and TOPIX Daily — 2026-09-12
Top developments
Nikkei Slides Nearly 3% on Oil and Yield Pressures
On Friday, September 11, the Nikkei 225 fell nearly 3%, breaking below the 63,500 level, while the TOPIX declined 1.9%. The selloff was driven by higher oil prices and rising global bond yields, which weighed heavily on export-oriented and financial sectors. Investors remained cautious as they awaited US inflation data and assessed the likelihood of further interest-rate hikes globally.

Foreign Investors Return to Net Buying
Data from the Tokyo Stock Exchange for the week of September 1–5 revealed that foreign investors turned net buyers for the first time in three weeks, with a net purchase amount of ¥131.4 billion. This shift suggests a slight recovery in sentiment after a period of selling, although individual investors continued their buying streak. The return of foreign capital provides a modest buffer against domestic volatility but remains sensitive to global macro trends.
BOJ Policy Decision Looms Amid Yen Strength
Market participants are bracing for the Bank of Japan's next policy meeting, with widespread expectations of a rate hike to 1.25%, a level not seen in roughly 31 years. This anticipation has contributed to yen strength, which pressures exporters that constitute a large portion of the Nikkei 225. The interplay between potential BOJ tightening and a stronger yen remains the primary driver of daily index fluctuations.

Local view
Local media, including The Nikkei, highlighted the sharp drop in the Nikkei average on September 8, noting a decline of ¥1,130 due to yen appreciation weighing on the market, particularly hurting export-related stocks. Commentary from local analysts emphasizes the "September anxiety" (kugatsu no fuan) where market volatility often spikes due to fiscal year-end effects and global economic uncertainties. The divergence between the Nikkei and TOPIX continues to be a key topic, with tech-heavy weights in the Nikkei masking broader weakness in the TOPIX.
Context & numbers
- Nikkei 225 Close (Sept 11): Fell nearly 3% to below 63,500 points.
- TOPIX Close (Sept 11): Declined 1.9%.
- Foreign Flows (Week Sept 1–5): Net buying of ¥131.4 billion.
- 10-Year JGB Yield: Expected to remain elevated as markets price in BOJ rate hikes.
On the radar
- BOJ Meeting: Traders are watching for confirmation of the expected rate hike to 1.25%, which would mark the highest level in decades.
- Oil Prices: Continued volatility in crude oil prices is directly impacting Japan's import-heavy economy and equity valuations.
- US Inflation Data: Upcoming US data will influence global yield curves and, by extension, the yen's trajectory against the dollar.
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