Japan’s Nikkei jumps over 1% as AI optimism lifts chip stocks; exports rise 16.7%
Japans Nikkei 225 rose 1.56% as renewed optimism over AI demand and gains on Wall Street lifted investor sentiment. Strong export growth and reports of major Chinese technology firms ordering Nvidia chips also supported the rally.
Japan’s Nikkei share average rallied on Wednesday, gaining more than 1.5% in early trading, as renewed optimism over artificial intelligence (AI) demand boosted investor sentiment following gains on Wall Street.The benchmark Nikkei 225 climbed 1.56% to 65,074.56, while the broader Topix index advanced 1.03% to 4,050.65.US MarketsPowered ByAs on 21 Oct 2026, 01:30 AM ISTS&P 500 Top GainersEquifax176.54(11.33%)Hasbro109.52(11.20%)Moderna242.08(6.69%)3M171.37(5.78%)Gainers»S&P 500 Top LosersCoterra Energy32.56(-8.62%)General Motors77.09(-6.84%)DaVita175.35(-6.23%)Genuine Parts123.52(-5.12%)Losers»Read more: Global Market Today: Asian shares, US futures rise on AI-trade revival According to Reuters, sentiment around AI-related stocks improved after US equities rose overnight and SpaceX reported its first profit as a public company.
