How It Is Calculated
The Nikkei Stock Average is calculated using a "price-weighted method," which adjusts for the effects of stock splits and similar events based on the stock prices of the 225 constituent stocks. As a result, the price movements of stocks with high per-share prices (so-called "high-priced stocks") tend to have a larger effect on the overall index.
Difference from TOPIX
Because TOPIX is calculated using a market-cap-weighted method, the two indices are calculated differently. While they often move in a similar direction, they do not move identically at all times. To gain a more multifaceted view of overall market trends, it can be useful to check both indices.
