Japanese Stocks Slightly Rise as Semiconductor Sector Declines

Japanese stocks rose on the first trading day of the week, despite losses in the semiconductor sector following news that China warned of taking action if Japan imposes further restrictions on the supply of chipmaking equipment. The Tokyo Stock Exchange reported that the 225-issue Nikkei average ended the session slightly higher by 0.14 percent, or 53.12 points, to reach the index 38,700.87. The broader Topix index also rose by 0.12 percent, or 3.36 points, to close at 2,715.99. Shares of chip-making equipment maker Tokyo Electron fell 1.09 percent, or 280 yen, to 25,525 yen at the close, while Disco Corp. fell 3.07 percent, or 1,310 yen, to 41,350 yen and Laser Tech fell 2.28 percent, or 640 yen, to 27,440 yen. In terms of exchange rates, the US currency was steady at 146.20 yen against its Japanese Source: Oman News Agency