Japans Nikkei index surged 4% to 64,362.02 on Friday, boosted by global AI optimism following strong Microsoft earnings. Advantest jumped 16% and SoftBank soared 14%, while Panasonic surged 19.5% on a higher profit outlook. Automakers lagged as a stronger yen weighed on export earnings following central bank intervention.

Japan's Nikkei index saw mixed trading as investors awaited major US tech earnings. AI and chip-related stocks continued to face pressure, tracking global weakness. Geopolitical…

Japan's Nikkei share average saw gains on Thursday, boosted by Advantest. Advantest's shares surged after it raised its annual profit forecast significantly. Other chip-related…