Japan’s Topix index rose slightly as a weaker yen encouraged buying in export-related stocks such as automobiles, electronics, and some machinery firms. Bank stocks were also higher on the back of expectations for a Bank of Japan interest-rate hike.
Some AI-related shares, including SoftBank Group and Advantest, faced early selling. Weakness in US stocks, weighed down by concerns over overheated valuations in Japanese equity indexes and a lack of fresh catalysts, also pressured the market.