The Nikkei 225 Index Closes 2.01% Higher

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.

The Nikkei 225 Index rose 1313 points or 2.01 percent on Wednesday to close at 66795 points. Leading the gains are Sumco (9.54%), Resonac Holdings (7.65%) and Softbank (6.88%).

The Nikkei 225 Index climbed 1% to above 66,000, while the broader Topix Index rose 0.8% to 4,073 on Wednesday, ending a two-session decline as oil prices dropped sharply on easing supply concerns. The moves followed Saudi Arabia restoring around half of the capacity of its East-West pipeline and the Trump administration ordering another release of emergency reserves. Domestically, investors assessed data showing Japan’s industrial production unexpectedly fell in August, reflecting weaker output across major manufacturing sectors amid softer export demand, while retail sales growth came in below expectations. Technology stocks led the recovery despite continued pressure from elevated bond yields, with notable gains in Kioxia Holdings (2.2%), SoftBank Group (4%), Advantest (1.8%), Taiyo Yuden (5.3%) and Fujikura (4.5%). The Nikkei 225 Index is on track to end the month largely unchanged.