Nikkei edges up to one-year high; chip-related stocks cap gains

Japan's key benchmark stock index edged up to a one year-high, supported by gains for the phrama sector thanks to drugmaker Eisai rallying hard, though weak chip-related stocks capped the gains after disappointing results from Texas Instruments.

The benchmark Nikkei average added 0.3% to 22,625.38, its highest finish since October last year, while the broader Topix advanced 0.6% to a 10-1/2-month closing peak at 1,638.14.

Tokyo-listed semiconductor-related shares were hit hard, with Rohm, Renesas Electronics and Tokyo Electron sliding 4.1%, 5.3% and 4.1%, respectively, as Texas Instruments slumped nearly 10% in after-hour trading overnight.

The leading American chip designer on Tuesday forecast current-quarter