The Nikkei Index fell by 2.5%, dragged down by metal and semiconductor stocks.

After new attacks on key energy infrastructure in the Middle East reignited concerns about rising energy prices, the Japanese stock market fell across the board. The Nikkei Index dropped 2.5% to 53,872.03 points, with metal and semiconductor stocks leading the decline. Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. fell 6.0% and Advantest Corp. fell 4.7%. Investors are closely watching the developments in the Middle East. Also of interest is the Japanese government's response to the conflict and measures to address shortages of energy and petrochemical products.