Japan’s Nikkei 225 Index advanced 1.1% to settle at 64,659 on Thursday, marking a third straight session of increases. The equity benchmark benefited from robust earnings anticipations within the chip equipment segment, as Advantest shares leaped 6% following the company's upward revision of its full-year earnings projection, underpinned by demand for AI chip-testing equipment that exceeded prior estimates.
Other technology stocks exhibited advances, with Kioxia up 1.2%, Ibiden increasing 2%, and Tokyo Electron rising 2.4%. Nevertheless, underwhelming results from Alphabet and Samsung Electronics prompted apprehensions regarding the viability of substantial AI investments and elevated technology stock valuations, thereby moderating the market’s aggregate advance.
Market participants are also keenly observing the Bank of Japan’s forthcoming policy meeting. The central bank is anticipated to maintain the current interest rate levels, although its commentary could provide indications regarding a potential rate adjustment in December, as inflationary forces remain evident.