Nomura Asset Management Boosts Western Digital Stake by 33% Amid AI Infrastructure Boom

In a move reflecting growing institutional confidence in the AI-driven data storage cycle, Nomura Asset Management has made strategic adjustments to its investment portfolio. According to reports, the firm increased its stake in Western Digital by 33.6%, bringing the total value of its holding to $193.3 million. The buying activity also included expanding positions in Equinix, BlackRock, and Cintas by varying percentages, while the firm reduced its exposure to O'Reilly Automotive by 11.4% despite the latter's solid quarterly results.

This expansion comes at a time when semiconductor and data storage companies are experiencing record demand; Western Digital recently reported strong earnings supported by a recovery in cloud computing markets. Compared to peers, market data shows relative outperformance in the digital infrastructure sector, with Equinix benefiting from global data center expansion. Per market data, Nomura's moves align with a broader trend among major funds to bolster exposure to financial and tech firms with stable cash flows.

Investors should monitor WDC stock levels, which stood at $76.42 (close May 29, 2026) to assess the sustainability of this institutional momentum. Looking at the economic calendar, attention turns to the US CB Consumer Confidence data due May 26, followed by speeches from Fed officials, events that could impact risk appetite across the technology and growth sectors.