AI-related trades push Japan stock volatility to 18-year high

EquitiesMargin trading, chip sector uncertainty expected to fuel more fluctuationsThe Nikkei Stock Average fell 3% on Aug. 19, adding to the volatility of the market. (Photo by Hikaru Yagi)HARUKA YAMASHITA and AKIRA INUJIMAAugust 20, 2026 00:49 JSTTOKYO -- The Japanese stock market has been gripped by the greatest volatility since the 2008 global financial crisis, as trading becomes concentrated in the artificial intelligence sector and amplifies price swings.Read NextEquitiesGlobal stock pickers' Japan buys: JX Advanced Metals, Sanrio move upSemiconductorsSK Hynix announces $28.6bn buyback plan to boost stock priceEquitiesJapan dividends heading to record high on chip, AI gainsEquitiesJapan margin trading doubles in 6 months, lifted by pricey AI stocksEquitiesJapan stock rally tempered by