The Nikkei 225 Index fell 1.25% to close at 52,655 while the broader Topix Index lost 0.8% to 3,538 on Monday, reversing earlier gains and tracking losses across global markets as risk sentiment deteriorated. The decline followed a turbulent selloff in precious metals that triggered forced liquidation in other asset classes, while technology stocks also came under pressure on renewed concerns about the sustainability of AI investments. In Japan, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said over the weekend that a weak yen could be a major opportunity for export industries. Investors also braced for the Feb. 8 snap lower house election, where Takaichi’s ruling party is expected to gain seats and push for expansionary fiscal policies. Tech shares led the losses, with steep declines in Kioxia Holdings (-13.4%), Advantest (-4.5%), Lasertec (-14%), SoftBank Group (-3.6%) and Disco Corp (-5.9%). Heavyweight financial, consumer and industrial stocks also came under pressure.
