During the morning session on the 18th, buying concentrated in AI-related stocks, and the Nikkei Average rose for a second straight session. The morning close was ¥525.86 higher than the previous day at ¥66,662.11, while the TOPIX fell 17.81 points to 4,076.38.
The Nikkei Average rose during the morning session, up ¥525.86 from the previous day at ¥66,662.11. Against a backdrop of gains in semiconductor stocks, buying concentrated in AI-related stocks, pushing up the Nikkei Average.
The TOPIX, meanwhile, remained in negative territory and widened its decline in the morning. Overall trading volume reached 847.13 million shares, while trading value totaled ¥3.6187 trillion.
By sector, nonferrous metals and electric appliances rose, while electricity and gas, fisheries, agriculture and forestry, rubber products, and foods declined. The Growth Market continued to advance.
Ahead of the Bank of Japan's press conference, buying across the market was at times restrained, but AI-related stocks helped support the market.