Japanese Shares Jump on Tech Rally
The Nikkei 225 Index surged 1.94% to close at 66,754, while the broader Topix Index advanced 1.67% on Wednesday, ending a two-session decline as technology stocks led the rebound. Among the major movers, SoftBank Group, an investor in OpenAI, jumped 6.6% following reports that the artificial intelligence startup was seeking to raise at least $30 billion in new funding at a $1.4 trillion valuation. Other technology gainers included AI infrastructure-related stocks such as Kioxia Holdings (1.2%), Taiyo Yuden (2.3%) and Fujikura (5.9%). Sentiment also improved as oil prices fell sharply after Saudi Arabia restored around half of the capacity of its East-West pipeline and the Trump administration ordered another release of emergency reserves. The Nikkei posted a modest gain in September but recorded its first quarterly decline since the first quarter of 2025, weighed down by the prolonged US-Iran conflict, surging bond yields and the July selloff in AI-related stocks.
67% on Wednesday, ending a two-session decline as technology stocks led the rebound. 4 trillion valuation. 9%). Sentiment also improved as oil prices fell sharply after Saudi Arabia restored around half of the capacity of its East-West pipeline and the Trump administration ordered another release of emergency reserves.
The Nikkei posted a modest gain in September but recorded its first quarterly decline since the first quarter of 2025, weighed down by the prolonged US-Iran conflict, surging bond yields and the July selloff in AI-related stocks.