★Top 10 Popular Themes

1. Data centers

2. Semiconductors

3. Storage batteries

4. Space development

5. Semiconductor equipment

6. Physical AI

7. TOPIX Core 30

8. Defense

9. JPX-Nikkei 400

10. Artificial intelligence

In the "Popular Theme Rankings" compiled by Minkabu and Kabutan, "Semiconductor equipment" has ranked fifth.

As the commercial rollout of generative AI accelerates, both the pace of adoption and the quality of the technology are improving remarkably. Semiconductors serve as the infrastructure supporting this growth. In the U.S., the SOX index has formed a strong uptrend, reaching record highs following a recent nine-day streak. Additionally, semiconductors underpin the defense industry. Against the backdrop of a rapidly expanding U.S. defense budget, dual-use demand for civilian and military applications has attracted attention. This is reflected in the strong buying of Intel , which maintains a close relationship with the Trump administration from a national security perspective.

The rally in U.S. semiconductor stocks has spilled over to the Tokyo market. Successive waves of buying have been observed in semiconductor equipment makers, many of which hold dominant global market shares. Among individual stocks, Lasertec <6920> and Kokusai Electric <6525> have shown notable recovery momentum. In contrast, Advantest <6857>, Tokyo Electron <8035>, and Disco <6146> appear relatively laggard, leading investors to focus on their significant upside potential. Among small and mid-cap stocks, price movements are being monitored for Towa <6315> and Nomura Micro Science <6254>, as well as probe card specialists Micronics Japan <6871> and Japan Electronic Materials <6855>.

Source: MINKABU PRESS

*Translated by generative AI. Click here for the original article.