Nikkei 225 drops 5.96% to 57,434.77 as AI sell-off deepens
Published on 11/06/2026 at 13:16 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWSNikkei sell-off intensifies on AI fears
- The Nikkei 225 fell 5.96% to 57,434.77 on November 6.
- AI-linked shares came under pressure amid concerns about tighter US regulation and weaker data-center spending.
- The decline was the index's third-largest point loss on record and extended its losing streak to five sessions.
The Nikkei 225 closed at 57,434.77 on Friday, November 6, down 3,643.13 points, or 5.96%, from Thursday's close. The decline took the index below 60,000 for the first time since May 20 and represented its third-largest single-day point loss on record, according to JIJI Press.
AI concerns drive broad retreat
The sell-off centered on technology companies linked to artificial intelligence. JIJI Press reported that investors were concerned the Democratic gains in the US midterm elections could lead to tighter regulation of AI data centers and related facilities. The report said SoftBank Group fell 10.83% and chipmaker Kioxia declined 8.72%.
The move extended a technology-led decline that had already pushed the index lower for four consecutive sessions. On Thursday, November 5, the Nikkei 225 had closed at 61,077.90, according to JIJI Press. Friday's close therefore represented a 3,643.13-point decline from the last completed Tokyo trading session.
Losses broaden across Tokyo
The pressure was not limited to a small group of index constituents. In a midday report, Reuters said 221 of the Nikkei's 225 components were lower, while three rose and one was unchanged. The broader Topix was also down during the session, with all 33 industry sectors declining at that point.
Reuters attributed the international backdrop to sharp overnight losses on Wall Street and renewed concerns about the cost, pace and prospective returns of AI infrastructure investment. The report quoted Nomura Securities strategist Maki Sawada as saying that delays in data-center construction, AI development and rising costs could continue to create volatility and lead investors to assess AI-related shares more selectively.
Market context for investors
Friday's close gives the Nikkei 225 a clear deterioration in short-term momentum, but the day's move alone does not establish how the index will perform in the next session. The immediate focus is likely to remain on developments affecting AI regulation, data-center investment and the earnings outlook for technology companies. Investors should distinguish the index's confirmed November 6 close from earlier intraday readings: JIJI Press recorded a morning close of 57,858.61 before the index weakened further in the afternoon.
Further Nikkei 225 coverage is available on the Nikkei 225 topic page.
