The Nikkei 225 Index Closes 0.40% Higher

The Nikkei 225 Index climbed 0.69% to close at 63,923, while the broader Topix Index advanced 0.61% to 4,062 on Wednesday, reversing losses from earlier in the session as easing oil prices helped reduce pressure on equities. Oil prices declined after US crude inventories unexpectedly increased, although concerns over supply disruptions in the Middle East remained. Global bond yields also steadied after their recent climb as investors turned their attention to major central bank policy decisions this week. In Japan, data showed exports grew more than expected in August, driven by strong demand for AI-related chips despite ongoing supply disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict. Technology and AI-related stocks posted notable gains, including Taiyo Yuden (1.8%), Advantest (1.8%), Murata Manufacturing (3.2%), Fujikura (2%), and Tokyo Electron (2.1%).

The Nikkei 225 Index rose 257 points or 0.40 percent on Wednesday to close at 63741 points. Leading the gains are JX Holdings (4.67%), Idemitsu Kosan (4.37%) and Screen Holdings (4.12%). Top losers were Mercari Inc (-5.48%), Otsuka Holdings (-4.60%) and Sumitomo Dainippon (-4.20%).

The Nikkei 225 Index was little changed above 63,400 on Wednesday, lacking a clear direction as investors digested stronger-than-expected trade data while preparing for a key US Federal Reserve policy decision. Japanese exports increased more than anticipated in August, supported by solid demand for AI-related chips despite continued supply disruptions stemming from the conflict in the Middle East. Meanwhile, the US central bank is widely expected to raise interest rates later in the day, while the Bank of Japan is also likely to tighten policy on Friday. Elsewhere, investors continued to weigh rising safety concerns surrounding AI development, although Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang dismissed the need for additional AI security regulations, arguing that market forces will encourage companies to innovate safely. Technology stocks traded mixed, with notable declines in Kioxia (-2.7%) and SoftBank Group (-3.7%), while Taiyu Yuden (0.6%) and Advantest (0.5%) posted gains.