Nikkei 225 slips below 200-day moving average near 67,000

Japan's Nikkei 225 index slipped below its 200-day simple moving average (SMA) on Tuesday, retreating from intraday highs near 67,000. The index last traded around 66,800, down 0.4% on the session, as selling pressure emerged after an initial attempt to break above the key technical level.

The 200-SMA, a widely watched trend indicator, had acted as resistance for the index earlier in the week. A sustained move below this threshold could signal further downside toward the next support zone around 66,000, analysts noted. The index has struggled to maintain momentum amid mixed corporate earnings and cautious global market sentiment.

Traders are monitoring whether the Nikkei can stabilize above the 200-SMA or if the break will accelerate. Volume has been moderate, with no significant spikes in either direction. The index remains up 12% year-to-date, though recent sessions have shown increased volatility.

The broader Topix index also reflected similar pressure, declining 0.3% to 2,950. Sector performance was mixed, with financials and industrials leading declines, while defensive sectors such as utilities showed relative resilience.