Japan's Nikkei Stock Average fell sharply in morning trading on the 19th, dropping below the 66,000 psychological level as semiconductor-related and other high-tech stocks led a broad market sell-off. The benchmark stood at 65,900.99 yen at 11:00 a.m., down 1,559.74 yen, or 2.31%, from the previous day, after falling as far as 65,829.75 yen at 10:00 a.m., when the loss widened to 1,630.98 yen, or 2.42%. Selling was widespread on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market, where 1,295 issues declined, more than 80% of the total, versus 226 gainers. Market participants said risk-averse sentiment carried over from overseas markets, reinforcing pressure through the morning as losses of more than 1,500 yen persisted. SoftBank Group was the largest drag on the Nikkei, shaving 349.17 yen off the index at 11:00 a.m., up from a 345.95 yen negative contribution at 10:00 a.m. Tokyo Electron, Kioxia, Fujikura and TDK also weighed heavily, underscoring that weakness in semiconductor and electronic component shares was the main driver of the decline. Advantest was the top positive contributor at 26.55 yen after reversing from a 72.41 yen negative contribution at 10:00 a.m., suggesting buying interest after the previous day's heavy selling. By industry, 32 of the 33 Tokyo Stock Exchange sectors fell, with pharmaceuticals the lone gainer, pointing to a defensive tilt as money rotated into domestic-demand and lower-volatility shares. Nonferrous metals and machinery posted especially sharp declines, highlighting stronger selling pressure in cyclical stocks (economically sensitive companies). Market observers cited concerns over slowing domestic and global economic growth and uncertainty over the semiconductor market outlook. After recently recovering to the 67,000 level at times, the Nikkei's return below 66,000 signals worsening investor sentiment, leaving the market vulnerable to further selling on rallies. Attention in the afternoon session is on whether the index stabilizes or weakens further, with Asian market moves and currency trends in focus.