Japan’s Nikkei Climbs as AI Optimism Outweighs Mideast Concerns (Update)

Japan’s Nikkei Climbs as AI Optimism Outweighs Mideast Concerns (Update)

TOKYO, April 20 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei share average rose on Monday, nearing the all-time high it scaled last week, as optimism over the red-hot artificial intelligence (AI) sector overwhelmed concerns about the Middle East crisis.

Global Markets | Japan's Nikkei climbs as AI optimism outweighs Mideast concerns

Japanese stocks surged Monday, nearing a historic peak, fueled by booming AI sector enthusiasm that overshadowed Middle East tensions. Major US indices hitting records and strong corporate earnings also bolstered investor confidence. Tech giants like SoftBank and Lasertec saw significant gains, while Sumitomo Pharma and Tokyo Gas experienced declines amid market fluctuations.