0017 GMT — Japanese stocks are lower in early trade as uncertainty over borrowing costs and the Iran conflict persists. Machinery makers and trading houses are leading declines. Komatsu is down 4.8% and Mitsui & Co. is 3.7% lower.
The dollar is at 157.91 yen, down from Y158.35 as of Wednesday’s Tokyo stock market close. Investors are closely watching developments in the Middle East, crude oil prices and bond yields. Quarterly earnings from Fast Retailing and Seven & i Holdings, due later on Thursday, are also in focus.
The Nikkei Stock Average is down 0.7% at 69559.50. (kosaku.narioka@wsj.com; @kosakunarioka).
Source: Wall Street Journal Markets · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing