Nikkei 225 extends rally to third session as AI stocks drive gains

Technology shares continue to fuel Japan's benchmark index, which climbed 0.6% by midday Wednesday, building on Tuesday's 1.36% surge past the 70,000 mark.

By Handelsavisen Newsroom · Automated 2026-07-01 05:44 UTC · 1 min read

Japan's Nikkei 225 share average advanced 0.6% to 70,497.49 by lunchtime on Wednesday, marking a third consecutive session of gains.

The rally is being propelled by strong performance in artificial intelligence-related equities, which have become the primary engine for the benchmark index's recent momentum.

36% to close at 70,000, a psychological milestone that underscored the sustained strength in Japanese technology stocks.

The move follows a robust Tuesday session in which the index climbed 1.36% to close at 70,000, a psychological milestone that underscored the sustained strength in Japanese technology stocks.

This quarterly rally has been characterized by a resurgence in investor appetite for tech-heavy names, shifting the market's center of gravity away from traditional value sectors.

Broader Asian equity markets also opened higher on Monday, driven by a combination of geopolitical optimism and continued tech sector strength.

Reports of advancing peace negotiations have contributed to a risk-on sentiment across the region, providing a supportive backdrop for Japanese equities.