Japanese stocks extended losses after a selloff in semiconductor-led technology shares, as US Treasury bond yields hit decades-high levels, raising investor concerns over returns on artificial intelligence investments.
The benchmark Nikkei 225 closed down 2,134.31 points, or 3.16%, at 65,326.42.
Oil prices gained amid energy supply and war escalation concerns as the temporary US-Iran truce deadline expired on Monday and US President Donald Trump announced that no talks were taking place. The UAE halted all trade, commercial, and financial transactions with Iran following renewed attacks from Iranian territory.
On the corporate side, Metaplanet (TYO:3350) said it will invest $134.6 million in Super League Enterprise via its U.S. subsidiary Metaplanet Holdings, contributing 2,100 Bitcoin valued at about $132.1 million and $2.5 million in cash for newly issued securities, according to a Wednesday filing with the Tokyo bourse.
Also, Hitachi (TYO:6501) plans to sell its entire stake in Hitachi Construction Machinery (TYO:6305) via a securities firm on Wednesday, ending its status as a major shareholder, Hitachi Construction Machinery said in a filing with the Tokyo bourse the same day.