When core stocks like NTT perform strongly, it really lifts the sprit of the entire market.

The Nasdaq gains gave a gentle nudge higher to a market that was ready for a rebound after last week's losing spell.

Speculation mounted for a cut in Toshiba's earnings forecast, and the stock's fall sent other major electronics makers lower.

When IT (information technology) issues and other large-cap issues are down, the Nikkei cannot help but suffer.

The selling will likely ease this month, but strong buying won't return for a while longer -- as long as U.S. markets are down.

What we have been seeing today and yesterday is a rather normal correction after the nearly vertical rise in high-tech shares in recent sessions. Investors will be taking refuge in other sectors until high-tech stocks find a floor.