In the morning session on the 25th, the Nikkei Stock Average extended its gains and was trading more than 300 points above the previous day. Buying led by some AI and semiconductor-related stocks, along with demand ahead of the ex-dividend date, supported the market.
In the Tokyo market morning session on the 25th, the Nikkei Stock Average extended its gains and traded in the low 65,800s. Buying in AI and semiconductor-related stocks, including Tokyo Electron and Advantest, led the advance in the Nikkei. The gain briefly widened to more than 400 points.
In the US market, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell for a third straight day, and rising long-term Treasury yields heightened caution across equities. In Tokyo, buying ahead of the ex-dividend date has been supporting the market as the last cum-dividend trading date for interim dividends at companies with fiscal years ending in March approaches on the 27th or 28th.
Oracle's share price fell 3% in the previous US session, and there were instances of early selling in related stocks, including SoftBank Group and Fujikura. The TOPIX rebounded, with Fast Retailing, Recruit Holdings and Komatsu advancing. FANUC, TDK and Shin-Etsu Chemical, meanwhile, declined.
With the direction of US equities and long-term interest rates drawing attention as market-wide drivers, buying focused on Japanese dividend entitlements is expected to continue providing downside support for the market.