Global Markets: Japan's Nikkei drops nearly 3% as chip stocks slide despite robust TSMC results

Japan's Nikkei share average finished close to a three percent decline on Thursday, influenced by a sell-off in chip-related stocks and escalating hostilities in the Middle East that dampened risk appetite. Despite Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing reporting record earnings, investor caution prevailed amid renewed tensions between the U.S. and Iran. Conversely, Nichirei shares soared after resuming operations that had been interrupted by cyberattacks.