Edward Marchesi The Japanese stock market kicked off the new month on a positive note: the Nikkei rose 0,70% to 67.222,48 points. This jump is closely linked to the recent surge in the technology sector, fueled by momentum from the United States.
The effect of US semiconductors on the Japanese market
The real driver of this recovery is the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index (SOX), which closed the previous day with a 1,32% increase . The index, which groups together the major chip and electronic component manufacturers, is traditionally considered a gauge of global semiconductor demand. When the American supply chain expands, the repercussions are also felt in the Asian supply chain, where many Japanese companies operate as suppliers or strategic partners.
Philadelphia Semiconductor Index Rises
The 1,32% gain in the SOX was driven primarily by stocks related to artificial intelligence and next-generation chips, sectors in which US companies have just announced new investment plans. This growth triggered a domino effect: investors began to revise the prospects of Japanese companies engaged in the production of electronic components, integrated circuits, and AI solutions for industry.
Nikkei strengthens in early October
In light of these data, the Nikkei opened with a gain of 468 points, reflecting market confidence in continued demand for advanced technologies. Tokyo's most influential companies, including electronics and manufacturing giants, benefited from a slight recovery in share prices, contributing to the index's overall movement.
Yen stability on exchange rates
Parallel to the positive performance of stocks, the national currency showed little change: the yen traded at 157,70 per dollar and 178,70 per euro. A stable currency is often interpreted as a sign of stability for exporting companies, as it avoids sharp fluctuations that could erode profit margins in foreign markets. In this context, the yen's stability is seen as an advantage for Japanese companies selling their technology products abroad.
Looking ahead, analysts suggest that the link between the SOX and the Nikkei 's performance could remain strong as long as global chip demand continues to grow. However, any shifts in U.S. monetary policy or supply chain tensions could introduce new volatility. For investors, closely monitoring news from the semiconductor sector will be crucial to anticipating the Japanese market's next moves.