AI Gains Offset by Geopolitical Fears; Japanese Stocks Show Divergent Trends

Central News Agency, Tokyo, June 1. The Tokyo Stock Price Index (TOPIX) lacked a clear direction. AI-related stocks rose on signs of increased corporate capital expenditure, but automotive and export stocks fell as the delay in US-Iran peace talks exacerbated geopolitical concerns. The benchmark Nikkei 225 index rose 604.83 points, or 0.91%, to close at 66,934.33. The TOPIX fell 16.47 points, or 0.42%, to close at 3,940.70. In South Korea, the KOSPI index surged nearly 5% during trading, hitting a record high of 8,874.16. The KOSPI index rose 312.23 points, or 3.68%, to close at 8,788.38. Among them, Samsung Electronics, South Korea's largest company, rose more than 11%. Official data shows that South Korea's exports in May increased by 53% year-on-year, driven by strong global demand for semiconductors.