Falling Yen Unsettled Japanese Stock Investors

<p>&nbsp;The depreciation of the yen to a critical level since November last year has fueled investors' fears that Japan will intervene in the currency market as it did last year.</p><p><br /></p><p>This was reflected in the decline in the rising country's shares, which saw the Nikkei 225 average drop 1.4% even as the yen weakened for nine consecutive days to around 146.45.</p><p><br /></p><p>Earlier last year, the Japanese authorities intervened when the ninja currency plunged to a price level of 145.90.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Although it may not immediately trigger action from the authorities, investors are now seen as more alert to any possibility.</p><p><br /></p><p>Analysts say investors are now more cautious than getting caught up in the yen's sharp rise. However, the broader trend in the yen is seen as unchanged despite the intervention.</p><p><br /></p><p>In addition to those factors, Japanese stocks are also facing pressure from the sluggish US stock market and China's worsening economic problems.</p><p><br /></p><p>Meanwhile, the latest data showed Japan's exports fell in July for the first time in nearly two and a half years amid faltering demand for oil and chip-making equipment.</p>