The Nikkei Average extended its gains sharply, ending the morning session at ¥68,609.92. Buying spread across semiconductor and AI-related stocks against the backdrop of U.S. stock market trends, with the index trading above ¥68,500.
The Nikkei Average extended its gains sharply, with the morning session closing at ¥68,609.92 and estimated trading volume of 1.12059 billion shares. Although U.S. stock markets were mixed, the limited rise in the CPI eased concerns about further interest-rate hikes, supporting investor sentiment. The Nikkei extended its gains after opening, supported by the Nasdaq's strength, as buying spread mainly across semiconductor stocks.
The Nikkei Average opened trading on the 13th at ¥68,033.17, up ¥509.11, with high-priced stocks making a significant contribution. Buying in electronic component and semiconductor-related stocks pushed up the market, which traded above ¥68,500 during the morning session.
Among individual stocks, Advantest<6857>, Tokyo Electron<8035>, Ibiden<4062>, Kioxia Holdings<285A>, TDK<6762>, Murata Manufacturing<6981>, SoftBank Group<9984>, Taiyo Yuden<6976>, Kyocera<6971> and Lasertec<6920> rose. In contrast, Fast Retailing<9983>, FANUC<6954>, Konami Group<9766> and Sony Group<6758> declined.
In the afternoon session, the focus will be on whether the market can maintain its strength in the upper ¥68,000 range, with capital inflows into semiconductor and AI-related stocks expected to continue. While the market is also keeping in mind the headwind from rising crude oil prices, some market participants expect profit-taking selling to emerge toward the close.
By sector, electric appliances, metal products, and glass and ceramics products rose, while rubber products, insurance and mining declined. Semiconductor and electronic component stocks are expected to continue influencing the market in the afternoon session, and capital inflows into strong-performing companies may continue as the earnings announcement season enters its final phase.