The Nikkei average staged a sharp rebound during the morning session, with buying led by semiconductor stocks as expectations related to AI rose. Gains widened after the open, and strength is expected to continue in the afternoon session.
The Nikkei average staged a sharp rebound during the morning session, ending at ¥63,381.29, up significantly from the previous day. Estimated trading volume was 987.67 million shares. Buying led the Japanese market against a backdrop of a rebound in US stocks, while expectations for increased capital investment related to AI supported the market.
In the US market, expectations for AI-related stocks rose after Anthropic published IPO documents, driving the Nikkei average higher after the open. Falling crude oil prices and lower long-term US interest rates also improved investor sentiment.
Among individual stocks, Advantest, SoftBank Group, Tokyo Electron, Ibiden, TDK and Lasertec rose. In contrast, Fast Retailing, Chugai Pharmaceutical, Daiichi Sankyo, KDDI and Recruit Holdings declined. By sector, electrical appliances and nonferrous metals rose, while declines were pronounced in real estate, pharmaceuticals and land transportation.
The Nikkei average is expected to remain in a high range during the afternoon session, with attention focused on maintaining levels above ¥63,000. Market direction may be influenced by developments in US AI stocks.