Bank of Japan Held Short-Term Rates, Chip Equipment Makers Surged

Akira Ito
30 Oct, 2025
Tokyo

Japan's benchmark indexes edged lower, and investors reviewed rate decisions from major central banks. 

After rate decisions and earnings announcements, the Nikkei 225 Stock Average fell 0.6% while the larger Topix edged higher by 0.3%. 

The Bank of Japan held its short-term rates at 0.5%, keeping borrowing costs at the highest level since 2008. 

The central bank also reaffirmed its intentions to resume policy normalization in the event that economic projections materialize. 

The Japanese yen weakened to 152.95 against the U.S. dollar after the BoJ delivered the widely anticipated rate decisions. 

The U.S. Federal Reserve lowered its short-term interest rate range by 25 basis points and highlighted uncertainty related to a possible rate cut at the next meeting in December. 

Artificial intelligence chip and equipment makers led gainers in Tokyo, following a flurry of deals announced by Nvidia. 

Moreover, Advantest Corp. soared to a new record high after the equipment maker lifted its annual outlook.

 

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 0.6% to 51,009.53, and the broader Topix index inched higher 0.3% to 3,286.32. 

Advantest Corp. advanced 0.6% and extended its five-day surge to 30% after the company released its quarterly results. 

Advantest Corp. traded at ¥22,215.0.

Lasertec Corp. soared 22% to ¥28,575.0 ahead of the company's results later this week. 

Nidec Corp. closed unchanged at ¥1,960.0, and the stock is set to be removed from the popular benchmark Nikkei 225 Stock Average.

The electric motor maker said it discovered accounting irregularities, and the company is likely to restate its financial statements for several years. 

Last Friday, the company withdrew its annual revenue and earnings outlook, suspended its previously announced interim dividend of 20 yen per share, and halted its 35-billion yen stock repurchase program.