The Nikkei 225 Index slipped 0.3% toward 66,000 on Thursday, while the broader Topix Index added 0.4% to 4,128 in mixed trading, as Japanese equities lacked clear direction despite Nvidia’s strong sales outlook. The US chipmaker’s guidance offered fresh confirmation that global spending on AI infrastructure is likely to remain robust, a key support for Japanese technology firms that are deeply integrated into the worldwide AI buildout. That exposure has been a major driver of Japan’s equity rally over the past year.
At the same time, data released Wednesday showed that US PCE prices for July rose more than expected and remained well above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target. The figures strengthened expectations that the Fed will maintain a cautious stance on interest rates, adding an element of uncertainty for global markets.
In corporate moves, notable gainers included Kioxia Holdings (+6.4%), Fujikura (+3.5%) and Ibiden Co (+2.3%). On the downside, Advantest fell 1.3%, Nintendo declined 1.0% and JX Advanced Metals slipped 0.8%.
