TOKYO: Japan’s Nikkei share average rose on Wednesday, as chip-related shares rallied after Wall Street’s solid overnight finish and chip equipment maker ASML’s strong outlook.
The Nikkei closed 1.49 percent higher at 68,751.51, and the broader Topix rose 1.22 percent to 4,088.12. The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq advanced on Tuesday, as solid results from big banks and a cooler-than-expected inflation report boosted risk appetite amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
The US semiconductor index, a barometer for Japanese chip-related shares, rose 2.54 percent. ASML raised its financial forecasts for 2026 during Asian trading, and said it would expand capacity after reporting better-than-expected second-quarter earnings, driven by AI demand.
The tech-heavy Nikkei’s rally paused last month on global concerns over overvaluation of technology stocks, but sentiment remained strong as investors shifted their focus to value stocks, such as financials.
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