Nikkei falls 2% as investors assess impact of Middle East conflict
TOKYO, March 2 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei share average fell as investors assessed the impact of a military conflict in the Middle East, which sent oil prices surging, potentially affecting the nation's economy.
The Nikkei .N225 was down 1.9% at 57,702 as of 0013 GMT, while the broader Topix .TOPX slipped 2.1% to 3,854.52.
Chip-related heavyweights dragged on the index, with Advantest 6857.T and Tokyo Electron 8035.T falling 2% each.
Conflict in the Middle East intensified as military action by the United States and Israel against Iran continued, with Iran retaliating with missile strikes across the region, raising fears of broader regional instability.
Energy shares rose, with the energy explorers index .IMING.T jumping 9%, while Inpex 1605.T leapt 7% to become the Nikkei's top percentage gainer.
