Nikkei Rises, AI Stocks Overshadow Geopolitical Risk
The Nikkei 225 rose 0.6% to close at 58,825 on Monday (April 20), while the Topix rose 0.43% to 3,777. This gain pared some of the previous session's losses, with renewed buying interest in artificial intelligence (AI) stocks.
Domestic sentiment was supported by a rally in technology stocks and market optimism about the prospects for AI, which helped cushion pressure from escalating US-Iran tensions. On the geopolitical front, the US seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman, while Tehran canceled plans to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and declared it would not participate in the second round of negotiations.
Meanwhile, continued disruptions in the strategic waterway have resurfaced concerns about energy supply shocks, which could exacerbate inflation and depress global growth. As an oil importer, Japan is considered more vulnerable to rising energy costs, so developments in Hormuz remain a concern for market participants.
Nevertheless, the boost from the AI theme and support from corporate performance have kept the market tone positive. A number of stocks that recorded prominent increases included SoftBank Group (+5.5%), Lasertec (+5.4%), and Unitika (+21.4%). (asd)
Source: Newsmaker.id
