Tokyo Stocks Soar on AI and Chip Gains

Tokyo stocks kicked off higher on Wednesday, driven by gains in artificial intelligence and semiconductor-related shares. The Nikkei Stock Average rose 1.42 percent to 66,412.45 in the first 15 minutes of trading.

The broader Topix index also saw an uptick of 0.95 percent to 4,079.38. Nonferrous metal, metal product, and bank issues led the gains on the Prime Market.

The US dollar traded at 157.42-43 yen in Tokyo, compared to 157.23-33 yen in New York and 157.37-39 yen on Tuesday afternoon in Tokyo.