The Nikkei 225 Index fell 1.58% to close at 51,064, while the broader Topix Index dropped 1.26% to 3,498 on Tuesday, marking a fourth straight session of losses as heightened uncertainties surrounding the Middle East conflict weighed on investor sentiment. The Nikkei and Topix also declined 13.23% and 11.19%, respectively, for March, recording their worst monthly performances since the 2008 global financial crisis.
Japan continued to grapple with elevated energy costs driven by the Iran war, reflecting its heavy reliance on oil imports from the region. The US has sent mixed signals on efforts to end the conflict, with recent reports suggesting President Donald Trump is willing to end the US military campaign against Iran even without the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Nearly all sectors fell on Tuesday, with technology, financial, consumer, and defense stocks leading the decline.
