Japan's Nikkei jumps as tech results revive AI optimism

Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 1.26% to 64,067.10 by Wednesday’s midday break, while the broader Topix eased 0.02% to 3,996.53. Business Recorder reported that upbeat technology-company results helped renew confidence in artificial intelligence-related shares.

The move followed gains in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq on Tuesday, led by technology stocks. Investors also weighed Meta Platforms’ expanded $97.5 billion equity fundraising for AI growth, SK Hynix’s announcement of about $75 billion in shareholder returns after a more than seven-fold quarterly profit increase, and the Federal Reserve’s rate decision due later Wednesday. Ahead of further semiconductor earnings, Nomura Securities strategist Maki Sawada said trading could become more selective as investors react to company results.