Morning Edition

As of August 19, 2026 5:30 JST

Japan market: Open / US market: Regular session

TSE Regular Trading, Semiconductor Slump, and Pan Pacific Dividend Increase

Three Key Market Drivers Today

  1. On August 18, the US semiconductor sector dropped sharply, with the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index (SOX) sliding 4.98% to 11,992.46 and the Nasdaq falling 1.33% to 26,289.71.

  2. As of 17:00 on August 18, Bank of Japan rates stood at 159.71–159.73 for USD/JPY. BLS reported July import prices fell 0.4% MoM and export prices fell 1.3% MoM.

  3. Pan Pacific International Holdings (PPIH) posted record full-year operating profit and raised its year-end dividend, forecasting continued dividend growth for FY2027.

The Tokyo Stock Exchange conducts regular trading on August 19. Covering disclosures from 15:30 JST on August 18 to 05:30 JST on August 19, we review Bank of Japan foreign exchange conditions, the three major US indices on August 18, and TSE Prime post-close disclosures based on primary sources.

Japan Markets

TSE Regular Trading on August 19

August 19 is not a market holiday on the JPX calendar, and the TSE conducts regular trading.

FX, Rates & Macro

BOJ 17:00 Spot USD/JPY at 159.71–159.73

According to the Bank of Japan, USD/JPY stood at 159.71–159.73 at 17:00 on August 18.

US Markets

Final closing values for August 18 are used.

NASDAQ-100

NDX · Close

29,490.96

−504.42−1.68% (down)

NASDAQ Composite

COMP · Close

26,289.71

−355.2−1.33% (down)

PHLX Semiconductor

SOX · Close

11,992.46

−628.54−4.98% (down)

Semiconductors Drag US Tech Shares Lower

On August 18, the SOX index dropped 4.98%, leading the Nasdaq Composite down 354.20 points to 26,289.71.

Prime Companies

Pan Pacific International Holdings Corporation (7532)

FY6/2026 Results, Dividend Increase, and Next-Year Dividend Forecast

Consolidated FY6/2026 revenue rose 11.4% to 2.4452 trillion yen, operating profit increased 14.1% to 160.0 billion yen, and net profit grew 13.7% to 100.8 billion yen, marking 37 consecutive years of top- and bottom-line growth. The annual dividend was raised to 27 yen, with 30 yen forecasted for FY6/2027.

Disclaimer

Market Flow presents curated public information for reference and does not provide investment advice or recommendations regarding financial instruments. It does not recommend the purchase or sale of specific financial products, nor does it provide independent future forecasts.