The Nikkei 225 Index Closes 1.39% Higher

Japan’s Nikkei 225 Index advanced 1.31% to close at 61,249 on Wednesday, recording its third straight session of gains as stronger-than-expected results from AI computing provider CoreWeave eased concerns over the artificial intelligence sector. Optimism surrounding AI-related stocks was further boosted by reports that Anthropic could begin trading as early as next week, with plans to raise up to $90 billion at a diluted valuation of approximately $1.4 trillion. Technology and AI-related stocks led the gains, including Kioxia Holdings (5.6%), Advantest (5.9%), Taiyo Yuden (7.3%) and Lasertec (6.3%). Meanwhile, shares of SoftBank Group fell after posting its first net loss in nearly two years, driven by a $3.7 billion impairment charge on its US data-center projects and declining valuations across the AI sector.

The Nikkei 225 Index rose 838 points or 1.39 percent on Wednesday to close at 61298 points. Leading the gains are Taiyo Yuden (9.70%), Furukawa Electric (8.63%) and Sumco (7.64%).

The Nikkei 225 Index climbed 0.6% to trade above 60,800 on Wednesday, marking its third consecutive session of gains as strong results from neocloud company CoreWeave eased concerns surrounding the artificial intelligence sector. Optimism towards AI stocks was further supported by reports that Anthropic could begin trading as early as next week, targeting a fundraising of up to $90 billion at a diluted valuation of approximately $1.4 trillion. Japanese equities also outperformed a weaker overnight session on Wall Street, where Nvidia’s losses and hotter-than-expected US inflation data pressured broader markets. Among the notable gainers were technology and AI-related stocks, with Advantest rising 0.7%, Taiyo Yuden climbing 3.6%, and Tokyo Electron advancing 1.1%. Meanwhile, shares of SoftBank Group fell 4% after posting its first net loss in nearly two years, driven by a $3.7 billion impairment charge on its US data-center projects and declining valuations across the AI sector.