Japanese stocks get hammered for a second straight day since returning from the long break

Nikkei 08-05

The Nikkei opened with a gap lower today and is ending the session with a hefty decline as Asian stocks in general are weighed lower by US-China trade tensions, which saw US equities also decline overnight. Of note, the Nikkei is now closing well below its 200-day moving average (blue line) as buyers start to lose their upside momentum.

USD/JPY is holding lower as a result as price hovers around the 110.00 handle. Expect risk sentiment to remain a key theme in trading this week, so keep an eye for how equities trade in the coming sessions.