Dec 20 2024: Japanese stocks ended lower on Friday, weighed down by losses in the Communication, Steel, and Transportation Equipment sectors. The Nikkei 225 index fell 0.22% at the close in Tokyo.
Top performers of the session included Sumitomo Realty & Development Co. (TYO:8830), which gained 5.49%, rising 249.00 points to close at 4,781.00. Mitsubishi Estate Co Ltd (TYO:8802) followed with a 4.10% increase, adding 84.50 points to end at 2,145.50. Tokyu Fudosan (TYO:3289) was also among the top gainers, up 4.06% or 36.50 points, finishing at 936.60.
On the downside, Toppan Printing Co., Ltd. (TYO:7911) led losses, dropping 7.29% or 303.00 points to 3,855.00. Resona Holdings, Inc. (TYO:8308) fell 5.02%, shedding 58.50 points to close at 1,106.50. Yamato Holdings Co., Ltd. (TYO:9064) declined 3.77% or 67.50 points to 1,723.50.
Overall, declining stocks outpaced advancing ones on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, with 2,190 stocks falling compared to 1,439 rising, while 257 remained unchanged.
The Nikkei Volatility Index, which tracks implied volatility for Nikkei 225 options, rose 7.92% to 21.12, reflecting heightened market uncertainty.
In commodities, crude oil for January delivery dipped 0.29% to $69.03 per barrel, while Brent oil for February delivery fell 0.52% to $72.50 per barrel. Meanwhile, February gold futures climbed 0.46% to $2,620.11 per troy ounce.
In currency trading, the USD/JPY pair slipped 0.31% to 156.95, and EUR/JPY edged down 0.15% to 162.88. The U.S. Dollar Index Futures declined 0.12%, settling at 108.02.
