Japan's Nikkei rises nearly 2% as AI-linked shares track US semiconductor rally

By Junko FujitaJapan's Nikkei share average rose nearly 2% on Wednesday, with AI-linked stocks tracking gains in US semiconductor firms, while lower oil prices overnight lifted economy-sensitive stocks.The Nikkei TVC:NI225 closed 1.94% higher at 66,753.72, after briefly rising more than 2%.The broa…