The Nikkei Average closed up ¥685 at ¥63,954. Although it struggled to advance at times in the afternoon, it ended modestly higher. Advantest's earnings announcement is scheduled after the close.
The Nikkei Average opened Tokyo trading up ¥470 at ¥63,738 and rose to ¥64,067 in the morning session. Although the market lacked direction at times in the afternoon, it ultimately closed up ¥685 at ¥63,954. TOPIX fell back by 5 points to 3,991, while TSE Growth 250 extended its advance for a fourth session.
Among individual stocks, Kioxia Holdings was heavily bought, rising 13.8% to ¥14,340, while Capcom fell back for the first time in 3 sessions, as leaving its full-year outlook unchanged was not viewed favorably. Shin-Etsu Chemical remained higher on tailwinds from artificial intelligence demand, with net profit up 11% year on year at ¥286.9 billion, exceeding market expectations.
Nidec came under heavy selling after reports that it would be unable to obtain an unqualified audit opinion on its annual securities report within the month, briefly renewing its year-to-date low. Hulic raised its net profit forecast for the current fiscal year, but selling prevailed amid concerns over higher debt.
VIEW POINT looked ahead to tomorrow, reviewing the Nikkei's 1.1% advance and highlighting Advantest's earnings announcement due after the close. The U.S. FOMC decision and scheduled results from Microsoft and Alphabet are also likely to influence share prices.