FX.co ★ Japanese Shares Rise on Tech Gains

The Nikkei 225 Index rose 0.6% to climb back above 65,600 on Wednesday, while the broader Topix Index added 0.4% to reach 4,066, rebounding from the previous session’s declines as technology shares led the advance. Sentiment was supported by private-sector data showing that confidence among Japanese manufacturers improved for a second straight month in September, underpinned by robust demand for semiconductors and data centers.

At the same time, higher oil prices continued to stoke inflation concerns and reinforced expectations of further interest rate increases. Investors also closely monitored currency markets after the yen strengthened to its highest level in nearly seven months.

Technology and artificial intelligence-related stocks were among the session’s standout gainers, with SoftBank Group up 2.8%, Fujikura rising 8.7%, Lasertec advancing 4.2%, Ibiden Co gaining 1.6% and Furukawa Electric surging 11.1%.