Nikkei 225 Faces Resistance Despite Strong Overnight Tech Gains – Thursday, 21 May

Snapshot: The Nikkei 225 closed up 3.14% at 61,684, driven by renewed optimism surrounding AI demand and strong earnings from Nvidia, which boosted sentiment across global technology markets. BoJ Board Member Koeda’s speech offered little new impetus, leaving the market focused on external drivers. US 10Y real yields continue to creep higher, a possible headwind.

  • Watch for follow-through from SoftBank’s near-20% surge; sustained gains above 62,000 would signal further upside.
  • Geopolitical tensions remain a risk; any escalation could quickly reverse the recent rally.

Bias into NY: Neutral. While the Nikkei benefited from overnight strength in tech, rising US real yields and the lack of a fresh domestic catalyst suggest limited further upside; expect choppy trading around the 61,500 level.