Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 index reaches a new record above 68,000 for the first time, as investor demand for technology shares tied to the artificial intelligence (AI) boom continues. Multiple reports attribute the rally largely to strength in US markets reaching additional highs, which helps support risk appetite in Asia. Trading data cited by one outlet shows the Nikkei rising about 2.9% to 68,634.74 by midafternoon. Gains are led by companies connected to the AI semiconductor supply chain, including Tokyo Electron and Advantest, which post sharp increases. Other market moves reported alongside the Nikkei are mixed: Hong Kong’s Hang Seng falls, while Shanghai’s Composite and Taiwan’s Taiex rise. In currency and commodities, the Japanese yen briefly strengthens to above 160 per US dollar before easing, and oil prices increase by more than $1 per barrel. The reports collectively describe a broader global pattern of AI-related buying driving equity markets higher, with some regional indices diverging as trading conditions vary.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 tops 68,000 for first time on AI-linked tech gains
Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 index reaches a new record above 68,000 for the first time, as investor demand for technology shares tied to the artificial intelligence (AI) boom continues. Multiple repo...
- Japan’s Nikkei 225 tops 68,000 for the first time, reaching about 68,634.74 and up roughly 2.9% midafternoon.
- AI-linked technology and semiconductor shares lead gains, including large moves by Tokyo Electron and Advantest.
- US stock records and broad AI-driven demand support the Japanese market’s rise.
- The yen briefly trades around 160 per US dollar before moving back, while oil prices rise by more than $1 a barrel.
- Regional market performance is mixed: Hang Seng falls while Shanghai Composite and Taiex rise; India’s Sensex declines.
Japan's Nikkei 225 index topped 68,000 for the first time on Wednesday after US stocks pushed further into record territory. The dollar briefly surpassed 160 Japanese yen before slipping back slightly. Oil prices rose more than USD 1 a barrel. Buying of technology shares linked to the boom in artificial intelligence has been driving rallies worldwide. By midafternoon, the Nikkei 225 was up 2.9% at 68,634.74. Shares in computer chip equipment maker Tokyo Electron gained 13.4%, while those for chip testing equipment maker Advantest gained 5.9%. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng lost 1.7% to 25,596.92, while the Shanghai Composite index added 0.4% to 4,092.53. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 advanced 0.9% to 8,806.40 and Taiwan's Taiex gained 2%. In India, the Sensex lost 1.1%. Markets in South Korea were closed for a holiday. On Tuesday, winners of the artificial-intelligence boom kept driving higher, pushing US stocks to more records. "One thing that stands out in today's market is how littl
2 months agoBenchmark Nikkei 225 tops 68,000 for first time as AI-driven buying frenzy shows no signs of slowing down.
2 months ago
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