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Tokyo Stock Market Plummets After Holiday, Nikkei Average Breaks 51,000 Yen Mark
Tokyo Stock Market Continues Steep Decline
Following the holiday, the Tokyo Stock Market experienced a significant downturn on the morning of March 23, with the Nikkei Average (225 stocks) showing a substantial drop. The decline from the closing price on March 19, before the holiday, exceeded 2600 yen at one point, and the crucial 51,000 yen threshold was breached for the first time in approximately two and a half months since January 5. This reflects investors' growing anxiety.
Middle East Tensions and Rising Oil Prices Fuel Concerns
The sharp fall in stock prices is primarily attributed to the escalation of Middle East tensions, leading to a surge in crude oil futures prices. Rising oil prices are fueling concerns about corporate earnings and an economic slowdown, resulting in a prevalence of sell orders across the market. The morning closing price was 51,582.23 yen, a decrease of 1790.30 yen compared to the closing price before the holiday.
Increased Market Uncertainty
Some citizens expressed concern that the current downturn might persist longer than anticipated. With the potential for a prolonged Middle East conflict and continued uncertainty regarding a halt to Israel's attacks, a prevailing sentiment suggests that the market's volatile state will continue.
*Source: YouTube: Kyodo News (2026-03-23)*
