Nikkei 225 closes 1.3 percent lower as SoftBank sinks
Published on 10/20/2026 at 13:01 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWSRates and technology pressure
- The Nikkei 225 closed at 64,075 points, down 841 points or 1.3 percent on October 20, 2026.
- SoftBank Group fell 6.0 percent as rising yields and AI spending concerns pressured technology shares.
- Toho was the top gainer at 4.9 percent, while Resonac Holdings lost 10.8 percent.
- Japan releases September trade data on October 21, 2026, at 8:50 a.m. JST.
The Nikkei 225 closed on October 20, 2026, at 64,075 points, losing 841 points or 1.3 percent. Rising yields and inflation concerns pressured growth shares, Reuters reported.
SoftBank Group fell 6.0 percent and was the biggest drag on the index. The decline followed renewed doubts about AI spending and corporate debt, while Brent crude traded at USD 110.59, AFP reported.
Why did the Nikkei 225 fall?
Technology shares led the decline despite a rebound in U.S. technology stocks overnight. Japan's benchmark also faced pressure from higher bond yields and persistent inflation concerns, according to Reuters.
The broader selling was widespread. On the Tokyo Stock Exchange's Prime Market, 76 percent of stocks fell, 21 percent rose and 2 percent were unchanged. The Topix lost 1.4 percent, according to Reuters.
SoftBank leads Nikkei 225 decliners
Winners and losers on October 20, 2026, according to News On Japan:
- Toho up 4.9 percent
- Terumo up 2.8 percent
- Olympus up 2.7 percent
- Resonac Holdings down 10.8 percent: semiconductor-related selling
- Fujikura down 6.5 percent: weakness in data-center infrastructure shares
- Sumco down 6.3 percent: pressure on semiconductor materials
Fast Retailing rose 2.0 percent and provided the biggest support for the index, while Mizuho Financial Group fell 5.0 percent, Reuters reported.
What is next for the Nikkei 225?
October 21, 2026, 8:50 a.m. JST: Japan releases September trade data. Exports are forecast to rise 21.7 percent year over year, imports 19.9 percent and the trade deficit to narrow to JPY 78.0 billion, from JPY 1.112 trillion in August, Mace News reported.
Nikkei 225 price data for October 20, 2026
The Nikkei 225 closed at 64,075 points on October 20, 2026, according to Reuters. It lost 841 points or 1.3 percent from the previous close of 64,917 points.
Nikkei 225 by the numbers on October 20, 2026
- Index: Nikkei 225
- Home exchange: Tokyo Stock Exchange, Japan
- Close on October 20, 2026: 64,075 points
- Change versus previous close of October 19, 2026: down 841 points (down 1.3 percent)
- Previous close: 64,917 points
- Top gainer: Toho up 4.9 percent
- Top loser: Resonac Holdings down 10.8 percent
- Next scheduled event: October 21, 2026, 8:50 a.m. JST: Japan September trade data
