Following SpaceX's strong results, buying spread, particularly among AI-related stocks, and activity in individual stocks increased in the domestic market. Although the Nikkei average was unable to extend its gains substantially for a second straight session, it held at a high closing level.
Following SpaceX's bottom-line profit for the July–September 2026 quarter, growth contributions from its AI business were reported, spreading buying interest particularly among AI- and semiconductor-related stocks and helping support the Nikkei average. The market temporarily extended its gains, but selling from investors waiting to see whether the market would pull back emerged just after a key level was surpassed, narrowing the gain toward the close.
The Nikkei Stock Average ended trading on 21 October 2026 at ¥64,621.24, up ¥545.82 from the previous day. Trading volume on the TSE Prime Market was 21.79 billion shares and trading value was ¥6.926569 trillion, both higher than the previous day.
The top gainers among individual stocks on the TSE Prime Market were Nexera Pharma, GMO GlobalSign Holdings and Asteria, which closed up 9.78%, 9.07% and 6.87%, respectively. The biggest decliners were Change Holdings, Qual Holdings and DIP, which closed down 6.19%, 4.15% and 3.88%, respectively.