4 days ago
Tokyo stocks end higher after robust TSMC earnings
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks ended higher Thursday, as heavyweight chip shares trimmed earlier losses after robust earnings from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. helped ease concern about the outlook on the business environment.
The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average rose 237.79 points, or 0.60 percent, from Wednesday at 39,901.19. The broader Topix index finished 20.41 points, or 0.72 percent, higher at 2,839.81.
On the top-tier Prime Market, gainers were led by service, pharmaceutical, information and communication issues.
The U.S. dollar climbed to the upper 148 yen range in Tokyo, as the yen was sold amid concerns over possible fiscal deterioration through expansionary policies if Japan's ruling parties lose their majority in the House of Councillors in Sunday's election, dealers said.
The Nikkei stock index was initially pressured by chip-related shares after ASML Holding N.V., a major global supplier of chip-making equipment, flagged concern about its 2026 growth outlook on Wednesday amid macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty.
However, chip issues erased much of their losses after the world's largest contract chipmaker released solid earnings in the afternoon, helping to lift the market.
"While stocks have been directionless this week (ahead of the election and earnings releases), the market largely reflected the moves of chip shares," said Yuta Okamoto, market analyst at Tokai Tokyo Intelligence Laboratory Co.
Among notable gainers, land transportation issues drew buying after data showed Wednesday that Japan saw a record 21.5 million foreign visitors in the first half of 2025, while the number for June hit the highest ever for the month.
Meanwhile, Seven & i Holdings ended down 9.2 percent at 2,007.5 yen after Canadian retailer Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. said it has withdrawn its $47 billion buyout proposal.
