Tokyo stocks opened lower as attacks by the US and Israel on Iran dampened risk appetite and pushed oil prices higher. The Nikkei 225 index was down 1.8%, while the broader Topix index fell 2.2%. Exporters such as automobile and electronics manufacturers were the primary contributors to the market's decline, with banking shares also showing weakness. In contrast, oil producers and shipping companies advanced, buoyed by Brent crude's surge of over 13% to above $82 per barrel. With investors fleeing risk assets, markets are expected to face broad pressure on Monday. Industries sensitive to oil prices, such as rubber products and vehicle manufacturing, are likely to be hit hardest. Due to Japan's heavy reliance on crude oil from the Middle East, its equity market appears particularly vulnerable. Sectors including aviation, maritime, and land transport could come under selling pressure due to rising oil costs, although defensive stocks may offer some support. Japanese auto parts suppliers, such as tire makers, face negative earnings risks from a sharp rise in oil prices, which could weigh on their share performance. Shares of tire manufacturers Sumitomo Rubber Industries and Toyo Tire both dropped more than 5%.
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