Japan's Nikkei plumbs 1-month low as yen, Wall Street weigh

By Kevin Buckland

TOKYO, July 10 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei share average slumped to a one-month low on Monday, weighed down by a stronger yen and weakness on Wall Street last week.

The Nikkei slid 0.66% to 32,173.88 as of the midday recess, on course for a fifth straight session of declines since closing at a 33-year peak of 33,753.33 a week ago.

Of the index's 225 components, 152 fell, while 69 advanced and four were flat.

Energy was the only sector that rose, following crude oil's $2 surge to a nine-week high on Friday.

Consumer cyclical stocks fell the most, by 1.28%, followed closely by a 1.25% slide in healthcare stocks.

The broader Topix skidded 0.48% to 2,244.03.

S&P 500 E-mini futures pointed to a 0.16% lower restart, after the index declined 0.29% on Friday.

Following a stunning 27% rally since mid-March, the Nikkei retreated to below its 25-day moving average for the first time in three months last Thursday.

"Whether or not the Nikkei can recover back above the 25-day moving average in a short time is a focal point for the market," said Nomura Securities strategist Maki Sawada.

The Nikkei's worst-performing stock was Yaskawa Electic , which dived 3% after reporting disappointing financial results, as the Japanese earning season gets underway.

Automakers also underperformed, after Japan's currency strengthened some 2 yen against the dollar on Friday, lowering the value of overseas revenue.

Nissan, Honda and Subaru each dropped by about 2.3%.

Chip-related shares also fell, with Tokyo Electron and Advantest each down about 1.3.

At the other end, the standout winner was internet retailer Rakuten Group, with its 2.4% rally a continuation of its rebound from a 14-year low late last month. (Reporting by Kevin Buckland; Editing by Savio D'Souza)