Nikkei 225 closes 1.31 percent higher at 61,248.59
Published on 11/11/2026 at 13:05 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWSNikkei 225 extends its recovery
- The Nikkei 225 closed at 61,248.59 points on November 11, 2026, up 789.01 points or 1.31 percent from the previous session.
- Semiconductor and artificial-intelligence shares led the advance despite higher-than-expected US inflation and renewed interest-rate concerns.
- Investors also assessed stronger Japanese business sentiment and SoftBank's large quarterly loss linked to its AI investments.
The Nikkei 225 extended its recovery on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, closing at 61,248.59 points. The Japanese benchmark gained 789.01 points, or 1.31 percent, from Tuesday's close of 60,459.58, according to News On Japan. The result marked a third straight advancing session after last week's technology-led sell-off.
Chip stocks drive the rebound
Semiconductor and artificial-intelligence-related shares provided the strongest support. Advantest contributed approximately 378 points to the index advance, while Tokyo Electron added about 135 points and Ibiden nearly 68 points, News On Japan reported. TDK and Kioxia also supported the index as investors renewed their focus on demand for advanced computing equipment and memory chips.
The index opened 65.72 points higher at 60,525.30 and briefly encountered selling pressure before semiconductor buying returned. It later reached an intraday high of 61,366.25. Fast Retailing was the largest negative contributor, while Konami Group, Recruit Holdings, Honda Motor and KDDI also weighed on the benchmark. The broader Topix rose 0.92 percent to 3,929.39 points.
AI optimism offsets rate concerns
Renewed optimism about the AI investment cycle helped offset a weaker lead from Wall Street. In a report carried by Arab News Japan, Reuters cited CoreWeave's expectation of adjusted profitability in the first half of 2028 and stronger reported revenue at OpenAI as factors that restored some confidence in the battered AI sector. Investors are also looking ahead to Nvidia's third-quarter results next week, which could influence sentiment toward Japanese technology shares.
That optimism emerged despite hotter-than-expected US inflation data, which increased expectations that the Federal Reserve could raise interest rates. A weaker yen, trading near 158.80 to 158.90 yen per US dollar during Wednesday afternoon trading according to News On Japan, provided additional support for exporters by lifting the yen value of overseas earnings.
Business confidence improves
Japanese corporate data added to the constructive tone. Reuters' November Tankan survey showed major manufacturers' sentiment rising to plus 27 from plus 22 in October, its highest level since August 2021. Electronics manufacturers' sentiment climbed to plus 39 from plus 25, supported by semiconductor demand, while the nonmanufacturing index increased to plus 35 from plus 23.
Investors nevertheless face an important counterweight in the technology sector. SoftBank Group's shares closed 0.44 percent lower after the company reported a second-quarter net loss of 1.1 trillion yen following Tuesday's market close, Reuters reported. The result highlighted the financial risks associated with large AI infrastructure investments. The Nikkei 225's three-session rebound therefore reflects improved risk appetite, but its continuation remains dependent on corporate earnings, interest-rate expectations and evidence that AI spending can generate sustainable returns.
Further coverage of the Nikkei 225 is available in the index topic overview.
