Nikkei 225 Hits New High as Yen Weakness Boosts AI and Semiconductor Stocks

The Nikkei 225 index in Japan rose to a new high of 67,524.06 on Wednesday, fueled by a weakening yen and a late-session rally in artificial intelligence and semiconductor stocks.

The index gained 553.84 points or 0.83% from the previous day's close, with nearly 60% of stocks on the Prime Market advancing during the morning session.

A weaker Japanese yen lifted bank shares and supported expectations for additional interest rate increases from the Bank of Japan, which in turn boosted investor confidence.

The rally was also driven by gains in high-priced artificial intelligence and semiconductor-related stocks, supported by a rise in the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index overnight in the United States.