Japan's Nikkei rises on sharp Advantest gains

ReutersLast Updated: Jul 30, 2026, 07:19:00 AM IST

Synopsis

Japan's Nikkei share average saw gains on Thursday, boosted by Advantest. Advantest's shares surged after it raised its annual profit forecast significantly. Other chip-related stocks also experienced upward movement following this positive outlook. However, the broader Topix index declined as banking shares faced selling pressure. This divergence reflects a recent market trend favoring AI-related stocks over value shares.

Japan's Nikkei share average rose on Thursday, driven by sharp gains in Advantest after the chip-testing equipment maker raised its annual profit forecast, while banks ‌dragged ⁠the broader ⁠Topix lower.

The Nikkei was up 0.81% at 61,934.03 as of 0050 GMT, while the Topix fell 0.81% to 3,941.8.

Advantest jumped 10% after raising its annual operating profit forecast by 35% ⁠on Wednesday ‌as AI spending drives demand for its chip-testing equipment.

"Thanks to Advantest's ⁠tremendous outlook, shares in other chip-related stocks rose," said Kazuaki Shimada, chief strategist at IwaiCosmo Securities.

Chip-making equipment maker Tokyo Electron rose 4.3%. Memory maker Kioxia jumped 11%.

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group ‌lost 2.58% and 1.8%, respectively.

"This is a typical trend in recent sessions where ⁠AI-related shares are strong, value shares such as banks are sold off," said Shimada.

Of the more than 1,500 stocks trading on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's prime market, 14% rose, 84% fell and 1% traded flat.

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