Japanese Shares Rise as Oil Prices Ease

The Nikkei 225 Index climbed 0.69% to close at 63,923, while the broader Topix Index advanced 0.61% to 4,062 on Wednesday, reversing losses from earlier in the session as easing oil prices helped reduce pressure on equities. Oil prices declined after US crude inventories unexpectedly increased, although concerns over supply disruptions in the Middle East remained. Global bond yields also steadied after their recent climb as investors turned their attention to major central bank policy decisions this week. In Japan, data showed exports grew more than expected in August, driven by strong demand for AI-related chips despite ongoing supply disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict. Technology and AI-related stocks posted notable gains, including Taiyo Yuden (1.8%), Advantest (1.8%), Murata Manufacturing (3.2%), Fujikura (2%), and Tokyo Electron (2.1%).