China Keeps Benchmark Lending Rates Steady as Economic Outlook Remains Cautious 
Oil Prices Ease in Asia as Geopolitical Risks Clash With Weak Demand Outlook 
EU Approves €90 Billion Ukraine Aid as Frozen Russian Asset Plan Stalls 
U.S. Dollar Slips as Yen Finds Support on Intervention Signals and Geopolitical Risks Rise 
Global Demand for Yuan Loans and Bonds Surges as China Pushes Currency Internationalization 
Why U.S. Coffee Prices Are Staying High Despite Trump’s Tariff Rollbacks 
Yen Slides as BOJ Caution Undercuts Rate Hike Impact 
Kevin Hassett Says Inflation Is Below Target, Backs Trump’s Call for Rate Cuts 
IMF Reaches Staff-Level Agreement With Egypt, Opening Path to $3.8 Billion in Funding 
South Korea Central Bank Warns of Rising Financial Stability Risks Amid Won Volatility 
Asian Stocks Rise as Wall Street Tech Rally Lifts Markets, Yen Slumps Despite BOJ Rate Hike 
Japan Signals Possible Yen Intervention as Currency Weakens Despite BOJ Rate Hike 
U.S. Stocks End Week Higher as Tech Rally Offsets Consumer Weakness 
RBA Signals Possible Interest Rate Hike in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist 
Precious Metals Rally as Silver and Platinum Outperform on Rate Cut Bets 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Geopolitical Tensions Fuel Safe-Haven Demand 
Platinum Price Surges Past $2,000 as Demand and Supply Dynamics Tighten 
Bernstein Predicts Growth in Japanese Semiconductor Stocks, Led by AI Demand
Bernstein has initiated coverage on Japanese semiconductor stocks with a bullish outlook, citing a global rise in chip demand, particularly from the booming artificial intelligence (AI) industry. The brokerage notes that valuations have become more attractive after a sharp correction in July, especially within the semiconductor production equipment (SPE) sector.
Top Picks in Japan’s SPE Sector
Bernstein points to Japan’s leadership in semiconductor production equipment, driven by increasing efforts from governments worldwide to enhance domestic chip production. The brokerage's top picks include:
- Disco Corp
- Advantest Corp - Tokyo Electron Ltd.
Bernstein rates all three companies as “Outperform,” underscoring confidence in their potential for growth as AI demand continues to rise.
Neutral on Materials, Cautious Optimism on Analog Sector
In the semiconductor materials sector, Bernstein remains neutral, highlighting potential headwinds from overcapacity and competition. Key stock ratings are:
- Hoya Corp – Outperform
- SUMCO Corp – Market Perform
- Ibiden Co Ltd – Underperform
For the analog semiconductor sector, the brokerage anticipates short-term challenges due to high inventories but expects long-term growth driven by AI. Renesas Electronics Corp (TYO:6723) is rated “Outperform” for its significant role in AI server chips.
Bernstein’s outlook highlights the strength of Japanese semiconductor companies, particularly in the SPE sector, as global demand for AI technology accelerates.
