Branch prediction using a leading value of a call stack storing function arguments

A branch prediction mechanism within an information processing device comprises a call stack where function arguments are stacked when function calls are performed. The call stack stores arguments relating to branch instructions within the function. The branch prediction mechanism stores the branch instruction address, the leading value of the call stack, and the branch destination address at branch instruction execution time, which are in correspondence, in a branch result buffer. A branch prediction unit obtains the branch instruction address and leading value of the call stack when notified of branch instruction execution, searches the branch result buffer for a branch destination corresponding to the address and leading value, and predicts the search result as the branch destination of the executed branch instruction. An instruction fetch unit fetches instructions from the branch destination predicted by the branch prediction unit.