The Nikkei Average was up ¥828, with buying spreading from the morning session mainly across semiconductor-related and financial stocks. Tokyo Electron, Advantest and Ibiden were among the top contributors, while banks and precision instruments rose by sector. Meanwhile, SoftBank Group and FANUC were among the biggest negative contributors. With the last cum-dividend trading day for interim dividends at companies with fiscal years ending in March coming up next week on the 28th, buying to secure dividend rights was also evident.
The Nikkei Average was up ¥828 from the previous day as of 1:50 p.m., with the market maintaining a firm tone. Buying interest continued in major semiconductor-related and financial stocks, with Tokyo Electron, Advantest and Ibiden among the top contributors.
Among the leading contributors, Tokyo Electron, Advantest and Ibiden were the main positive contributors, while SoftBank Group, FANUC and Shimizu Corporation were among the biggest negative contributors. By sector, banks, securities and commodity futures, precision instruments, and services rose, while information and communications and construction declined.
Ahead of next week's dividend rights acquisition date on the 28th, the market may see buying to secure dividend rights, although caution also persists against a backdrop of continued increases in long-term interest rates.
The last cum-dividend trading day for interim dividends is coming up next week, and the performance of companies with fiscal years ending in March is expected to remain a focus for the market.