Nikkei ends lower on yen strength, profit-taking after crossing 44,000

Market Overview - Japan's Nikkei share average ended lower, closing at 43,459.29, down 0.4% after reaching a peak of 44,185.73 earlier in the session [1] - The broader Topix index also finished down 0.5% [1] Economic Factors - The market initially gained on expectations of increased government spending following the resignation of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, with analysts predicting a more expansionary fiscal policy [2] - The yen strengthened by 0.5% to 146.82 against the U.S. dollar, negatively impacting earnings prospects for exporters [3] Trade Developments - U.S. tariffs on Japanese autos are expected to be lowered by September 16, clarifying a previously ambiguous trade deal [3] - However, the most-favoured-nation status for pharmaceuticals and semiconductors was not included in a recent executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump [4] Company Performance - Takeda Pharmaceutical, Japan's largest drugmaker, saw its shares decline by 3% [4] - Citizen Watch experienced a significant drop of 5.5% and will be removed from the Nikkei 225 index starting October [4] - Advantest, a chip-testing equipment maker and Nvidia supplier, was the biggest gainer, rising 6.5% to a new record high [5] - Other notable gainers included Screen Holdings, which increased by 2.4%, and Tokyo Electron, which added 2% [5]