Central News Agency (Taipei, July 2, 2024, CNA Foreign News Service) Weakness in artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor stocks dragged down the Nikkei 225 index, which opened lower and closed sharply down by over 1700 points today. The South Korean stock market also experienced significant volatility, with the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (Kospi) closing down 7.89%. The Nikkei 225, Japan's benchmark stock index, closed down 1741.81 points, or 2.47%, at 68733.15. The TOPIX closed up 3.48 points, or 0.09%, at 4014.98. The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (Kospi) closed down 655.32 points, or 7.89%, at 7648.09 today. (Compiled by Liu Wen-yu) 1150702 Stand with facts, your every contribution is a force to protect press freedom. Download the CNA "First-Hand News" APP for real-time updates. No part of this website's text, images, or videos may be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or transmitted and used without authorization.