Japan's Nikkei slips as shares go ex-dividend; Sony Financial surges in debut

Market Overview - The Nikkei 225 Index closed 0.7% lower at 45,043.75, retreating from a record-high close of 45,754.93 reached the previous week [5] - The broader Topix lost 1.7% [5] - There were 26 advancers in the Nikkei against 199 decliners [5] Company Performance - Sony Financial experienced a significant market debut, jumping 16% after being spun off from Sony Group [1][5] - Sony Group's shares edged 0.2% higher [5] - The biggest decliners included Honda Motor, down 5.2%, and Mazda Motor, which slid 4.6% [5] Market Dynamics - Monday marked the ex-dividend date for many Japanese firms, meaning new shareholders will not receive upcoming dividend payouts [1][5] - A strengthening yen and recent market highs created headwinds for equities, according to Nomura strategist Maki Sawada [1] - Sawada noted that the Nikkei average surged sharply in September, indicating a potential pause in the rally [2]