The Nikkei Stock Average extended its decline on the Tokyo Stock Exchange on the morning of the 14th, at one point losing more than 1,200 points as investors sold AI and semiconductor-related shares. Sentiment weakened after reports that U.S.-based OpenAI had decided not to pursue an initial public offering (offering shares to the public) this year, reviving concerns about a slowdown in AI development and investment. Persistently high U.S. crude oil futures, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, added pressure by raising corporate costs and threatening consumption. The morning session ended at 63,498.61, down 512.73 points, or 0.80%, from the previous weekend. The index briefly fell below 63,000 for the first time in about one and a half months, since August 4, before short-term traders bought Nikkei futures and reduced the decline. Market participants said price movements had become increasingly unstable. Analysts identified the July 29 closing low of 60,448 as a key level to watch, a level that marked the lowest close since the index reached the ¥70,000 milestone, approximately $460.