Asian Markets Show Divergence at Midday: Nikkei Up, Straits Times Dips

Japan’s Nikkei climbed 1.49%, supported by yen stability and renewed tech sector optimism, with gains led by semiconductor and robotics stocks. In contrast, Singapore’s Straits Times Index slipped 0.25% as profit-booking and sector rotation weighed on banks and real estate counters. Analysts said the mixed performance reflects divergent regional growth dynamics, with Japan benefiting from AI-driven exports, while Southeast Asian markets remain cautious amid global monetary uncertainty.