TOKYO, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks retreated Wednesday, dragged down by semiconductor-related stocks following a disappointing outlook report from chip equipment manufacturer ASML.
Japan's benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, dropped 1.83 percent, or 730.25 points, to close at 39,180.30.
Despite high expectations for semiconductor demand in areas like generative AI, ASML's report showed slow recovery in demand for EUV (extreme ultraviolet) lithography equipment, which dampened optimism in the semiconductor market and prompted selloffs of related shares on Wall Street.
Tracking the weak performance, major semiconductor-related stocks in the Tokyo market, including Tokyo Electron, also saw significant selling pressure.
The broader Tokyo Stock Price Index also fell, closing 32.91 points, or 1.21 percent, lower at 2,690.66.
Of the listed stocks on the top-tier Prime Market, 1,246 retreated, 354 rose, while 44 remained unchanged. ■