The forecast range for the Nikkei Stock Average next week is ¥67,000–¥70,000. If US inflation indicators remain stable and major semiconductor companies report strong earnings, buying the dip in AI and semiconductor-related stocks is expected to come into focus.
The forecast range for the Nikkei Stock Average next week is expected to be approximately ¥67,000–¥70,000, with stable US inflation indicators and strong earnings from major semiconductor companies expected to serve as market catalysts. Depending on developments in the US market, interest in buying the dip in AI and semiconductor-related stocks could increase.
This week, the Nikkei Stock Average recovered the ¥70,000 mark in the first half of the week, but declined notably in the latter half as investors took profits on AI and semiconductor-related stocks, ending the week at ¥69,030.92. Rising long-term US interest rates, higher oil prices and concerns about the profitability of AI investment weighed on the market, with profit-taking sales prevailing.
Next week, markets will be closed for a holiday on the 12th. A number of events are scheduled, including earnings releases from Citigroup and Goldman Sachs in the US on the 13th; CPI, the Beige Book, and earnings releases from ASML, BlackRock, Morgan Stanley and others on the 14th; and PPI, retail sales and TSMC's earnings on the 15th. If stable US inflation indicators and strong earnings from major semiconductor companies are confirmed, buying the dip in AI and semiconductor-related stocks is expected.
Among individual stocks, interest in defence-related and cybersecurity-related companies is expected to increase. Companies including Broadband Security and other cybersecurity-related stocks were among the top gainers of the week. Next week, KOKUSAI ELECTRIC, Digital Arts and Azeus are highlighted as stocks to watch.