Tokyo, October 01 (QNA) - Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 jumped 3.3 percent to finish at 68,956.72, recording its highest level since Aug. 18, supported by optimism in AI-related investments. 
The broader Topix index also finished 0.57 percent higher to reach 4,131.98 points. 
Chipmaker stocks led the gains, with Lasertec rising 11.14 percent, Advantest up 9.78 percent, Murata Manufacturing increasing by 8.43 percent, and Kioxia gaining 5.55 percent. 
In contrast, banking sector stocks fell 2.44 percent and the insurance sector dropped 2.31 percent, while the oil and coal sector index declined by 2.97 percent. (QNA)