Japanese stocks have remained highly volatile, while funds have continued to concentrate in AI-related stocks. In 2026, the Nikkei 225 has seen more days with large daily moves, and trading in AI stocks has intensified.
Japanese equities have been highly volatile, with reports suggesting that trading by a diverse range of investors is concentrating in AI-related stocks amid expectations for the sector. The Nikkei 225 has seen more days with large moves, pointing to changes in market conditions compared with the past.
In Tokyo trading on the 19th, selling intensified as investors reacted negatively to a global rise in interest rates, driving the Nikkei 225 sharply lower to ¥2,134 below the previous day's level.
There have been more days on which the Nikkei 225 moves by 2% or more from the previous day. Reports indicate that such moves have been observed on approximately 30% of trading days in 2026, with buying particularly concentrated in AI-related stocks, which have high growth expectations.
Some believe that prolonged market instability could risk driving investors away, and the market's future trading trends will require close attention.