Nikkei 225 Jumps 3.43% as Japan Stocks Rally on Chip Optimism
Japan’s Nikkei 225 surged 3.43% on Thursday, October 1, reaching a new one-month high. Gains came as investors favored technology and other cyclical shares, while Japan’s broader market also advanced.
Chip-related stocks led the move after strong results and supply commitments from U.S. memory-chip maker Micron boosted optimism around artificial intelligence demand. Lasertec rose 11.14%, Advantest gained 9.78%, and Ibiden climbed 8.75%. Reuters also reported that Japan’s gains came alongside stronger technology stocks across Asia.
However, the rally came amid wider market pressures. Japan’s yen weakened, while global bond yields remained elevated. Investors are also watching the Bank of Japan after policymakers debated whether to accelerate future rate increases.
Why it matters
Japan's rally highlights continued investor demand for AI-linked semiconductor stocks despite higher global borrowing costs. The yen and Bank of Japan policy remain key risks for Japanese equities.
