Japanese stock market rallies on July 15, 2026

Japan’s equity markets surged on July 15, 2026. The Nikkei 225 closed up 1.49 % at 68,751, after opening with a 280‑point gain and briefly climbing more than 1,000 points. The rally was driven by a broad advance in technology and AI‑related semiconductor stocks, boosted by ASML’s upbeat earnings and strong demand for AI hardware. Leading gainers included Lasertec (+10.2 %), Ibiden (+7.5 %) and Fujikura (+7.2 %). Sectors such as real estate, banking and textiles also posted gains.

S&P Dow Jones reported that Japan’s S&P 500 index rose 15 % in Q2, with AI‑hardware firms surging 67 % and financials up 19 %. Domestic market sentiment was further supported by positive cues from Wall Street, where U.S. indices posted gains. Game and entertainment stocks showed mixed performance, but the overall market remained higher.

The combined effect of U.S. market strength, favorable semiconductor earnings and easing inflation expectations lifted investor confidence across Tokyo’s exchanges.