News

The Nikkei 225 Index Closes 1.88% Higher
The Nikkei 225 Index gained 1052 points or 1.88 percent on Friday to close at 56948 points. Gains were led by Fast Retailing (11.12%), Fujikura (11.08%) and Mitsui Mining & Smelting (6.47%).
Published on 2026-04-10

Asian Stocks Set for Strong Weekly Advance
Asian equity markets were set to close the week with solid gains, supported by optimism that the US-Iran ceasefire will hold and potentially pave the way for a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The prospect of improved shipping conditions has bolstered risk sentiment across global markets and allayed fears about inflation and rate hikes. Investors are now focused on diplomatic talks in Islamabad this weekend, where Vice President JD Vance will lead a US delegation in discussions with Iranian officials. However, caution persisted amid ongoing Israeli strikes in Lebanon and continued restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz, which could complicate negotiations. Japan’s Nikkei 225 and South Korea’s KOSPI Composite index were on track to rise more than 7% and 9%, respectively, for the week. Benchmark indices in Australia, China, and Hong Kong also headed for strong weekly advances.
Published on 2026-04-10

Asian Stocks Set for Strong Weekly Advance
Asian equity markets were set to close the week with solid gains, supported by optimism that the US-Iran ceasefire will hold and potentially pave the way for a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The prospect of improved shipping conditions has bolstered risk sentiment across global markets and allayed fears about inflation and rate hikes. Investors are now focused on diplomatic talks in Islamabad this weekend, where Vice President JD Vance will lead a US delegation in discussions with Iranian officials. However, caution persisted amid ongoing Israeli strikes in Lebanon and continued restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz, which could complicate negotiations. Japan’s Nikkei 225 and South Korea’s KOSPI Composite index were on track to rise more than 7% and 9%, respectively, for the week. Benchmark indices in Australia, China, and Hong Kong also headed for strong weekly advances.
Published on 2026-04-10

Japanese Shares Head for Strong Weekly Advance
The Nikkei 225 Index climbed 1.8% to above 56,800 on Friday and was on track for a weekly gain of roughly 7%, as a two-week US-Iran ceasefire boosted risk appetite. Investors now look ahead to diplomatic talks in Islamabad this weekend, where Vice President JD Vance will lead a US delegation in discussions with Iranian officials. However, sentiment remained cautious amid ongoing Israeli strikes on Lebanon and continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, which could complicate negotiations. Meanwhile, global technology and artificial intelligence stocks rallied after CoreWeave secured a much larger $21 billion agreement to provide computing capacity to Meta Platforms. In Japan, tech shares led gains, with Kioxia Holdings and Fujikura both rising 8.1%, while Advantest added 2.6%. Fast Retailing also surged 9.4% after raising its full-year operating profit forecast, supported by robust demand from the US and Europe, while Japan continued to serve as a steady domestic anchor.
Published on 2026-04-10

Japanese Shares Head for Strong Weekly Advance
The Nikkei 225 Index climbed 1.84% to close at 56,924 on Friday and posted a strong weekly gain of 7.15%, as a two-week US-Iran ceasefire boosted risk appetite. Investors now look ahead to diplomatic talks in Islamabad this weekend, where Vice President JD Vance will lead a US delegation in discussions with Iranian officials. However, sentiment remained cautious amid ongoing Israeli strikes on Lebanon and continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, which could complicate negotiations. Meanwhile, global technology and artificial intelligence stocks rallied after CoreWeave secured a much larger $21 billion agreement to provide computing capacity to Meta Platforms. In Japan, tech shares led gains, with Kioxia Holdings, Fujikura and Lasertec rising between 7.4% to 12%. Fast Retailing also surged 12% after raising its full-year operating profit forecast, supported by robust demand from the US and Europe, while Japan continued to serve as a steady domestic anchor.
Published on 2026-04-10

Japanese Shares Head for Strong Weekly Advance
The Nikkei 225 Index climbed 1.8% to above 56,800 on Friday and was on track for a weekly gain of roughly 7%, as a two-week US-Iran ceasefire boosted risk appetite. Investors now look ahead to diplomatic talks in Islamabad this weekend, where Vice President JD Vance will lead a US delegation in discussions with Iranian officials. However, sentiment remained cautious amid ongoing Israeli strikes on Lebanon and continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, which could complicate negotiations. Meanwhile, global technology and artificial intelligence stocks rallied after CoreWeave secured a much larger $21 billion agreement to provide computing capacity to Meta Platforms. In Japan, tech shares led gains, with Kioxia Holdings and Fujikura both rising 8.1%, while Advantest added 2.6%. Fast Retailing also surged 9.4% after raising its full-year operating profit forecast, supported by robust demand from the US and Europe, while Japan continued to serve as a steady domestic anchor.
Published on 2026-04-10

Japanese Shares Decline on Ceasefire Uncertainty
The Nikkei 225 Index fell 0.73% to close at 55,895, while the broader Topix Index dropped 0.9% to 3,741 on Thursday, giving back some of the previous session’s gains as oil prices edged higher amid ongoing uncertainty over the ceasefire agreement between Iran and the US-Israeli side. A senior Iranian official said elements of the ceasefire proposal had already been breached following fresh Israeli strikes on Lebanon, while Tehran continued to largely block the Strait of Hormuz. In corporate developments, shares of Uniqlo parent Fast Retailing slipped 0.46% despite lifting its full-year operating profit forecast on strong demand from the US and Europe, with Japan remaining a stable base. Meanwhile, Seven & I Holdings plunged 4.6% after announcing a delay in the planned listing of its US convenience store unit amid uncertainties surrounding its US businesses.
Published on 2026-04-09

The Nikkei 225 Index Closes 0.56% Lower
The Nikkei 225 Index decreased -316 points or 0.56 percent on Thursday to close at 55992 points. The decline was led by AEON (-7.73%), Hino Motors (-5.09%) and Mitsui Chemicals (-4.97%). On the upside, the strongest performers were Furukawa Electric (4.38%), JGC (3.71%) and Hitachi Zosen (3.65%).
Published on 2026-04-09

Japanese Shares Dip on Ceasefire Uncertainty
The Nikkei 225 Index fell 0.5% to around 56,050 on Thursday, trimming gains from the prior session as oil prices gained some ground amid lingering uncertainty over the ceasefire agreement between Iran and the US-Israeli side. A senior Iranian official stated that elements of the ceasefire proposal had already been violated following fresh Israeli strikes on Lebanon, while Tehran continued to largely block the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, minutes from the Federal Reserve’s latest policy meeting showed a growing number of members viewed a rate hike as potentially necessary to curb inflation, though many still hoped the next move could be a cut. Tech stocks led the losses after a sharp rebound in the previous session, including Kioxia Holdings (-2.1%), Lasertec (-3.3%), Advantest (-2%), Disco Corp (-3.1%), and SoftBank Group (-2.6%).
Published on 2026-04-09

Japanese Shares Dip on Ceasefire Uncertainty
The Nikkei 225 Index fell 0.5% to around 56,050 on Thursday, trimming gains from the prior session as oil prices gained some ground amid lingering uncertainty over the ceasefire agreement between Iran and the US-Israeli side. A senior Iranian official stated that elements of the ceasefire proposal had already been violated following fresh Israeli strikes on Lebanon, while Tehran continued to largely block the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, minutes from the Federal Reserve’s latest policy meeting showed a growing number of members viewed a rate hike as potentially necessary to curb inflation, though many still hoped the next move could be a cut. Tech stocks led the losses after a sharp rebound in the previous session, including Kioxia Holdings (-2.1%), Lasertec (-3.3%), Advantest (-2%), Disco Corp (-3.1%), and SoftBank Group (-2.6%).
Published on 2026-04-09

The Nikkei 225 Index Closes 5.58% Higher
The Nikkei 225 Index rose 2979 points or 5.58 percent on Wednesday to close at 56409 points. Leading the gains are Furukawa Electric (17.53%), Advantest (13.27%) and Sumitomo Electric (12.77%).
Published on 2026-04-08

Asian Stocks Rally on 2-Week Ceasefire
Asian equity markets surged on Wednesday after the US, Iran and Israel agreed to a two-week ceasefire to allow negotiations for a potential deal to end the war. President Donald Trump delayed planned strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure in what he called a “double-sided ceasefire,” while Iran agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks, requiring transit to be coordinated with Iran’s Armed Forces. Shares in South Korea and Japan jumped over 5%, leading regional gains. Australian, Chinese and Hong Kong stocks also advanced.
Published on 2026-04-08

Asian Stocks Rally on 2-Week Ceasefire
Asian equity markets surged on Wednesday after the US, Iran and Israel agreed to a two-week ceasefire to allow negotiations for a potential deal to end the war. President Donald Trump delayed planned strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure in what he called a “double-sided ceasefire,” while Iran agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks, requiring transit to be coordinated with Iran’s Armed Forces. Shares in South Korea and Japan jumped over 5%, leading regional gains. Australian, Chinese and Hong Kong stocks also advanced.
Published on 2026-04-08

Asian Stocks Rally on Two-Week Ceasefire
Asian equity markets surged on Wednesday after the US, Iran and Israel agreed to a two-week ceasefire to allow negotiations for a potential deal to end the war. President Donald Trump delayed planned strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure in what he called a “double-sided ceasefire,” while Iran agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks, requiring transit to be coordinated with Iran’s Armed Forces. Shares in South Korea and Japan jumped over 5% and 4%, respectively. Australian stocks also gained more than 2%, while markets in China and Hong Kong were poised for strong opens.
Published on 2026-04-08

Asian Stocks Rally on 2-Week Ceasefire
Asian equity markets surged on Wednesday after the US, Iran and Israel agreed to a two-week ceasefire to allow negotiations for a potential deal to end the war. President Donald Trump delayed planned strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure in what he called a “double-sided ceasefire,” while Iran agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks, requiring transit to be coordinated with Iran’s Armed Forces. Shares in South Korea and Japan jumped over 5% and 4%, respectively. Australian stocks also gained more than 2%, while markets in China and Hong Kong were poised for strong opens.
Published on 2026-04-08

Japanese Shares Rally on Two-Week Ceasefire
The Nikkei 225 Index surged 4.4% to above 55,700, while the broader Topix jumped 3.1% to 3,768 on Wednesday, with both benchmarks hitting over one-month highs after the US, Iran and Israel agreed to a two-week ceasefire to allow negotiations for a potential deal to end the war. President Donald Trump delayed planned strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure in what he called a “double-sided ceasefire,” while Iran agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks, stipulating that transit be coordinated with Iran’s Armed Forces. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is seeking separate talks with US and Iranian leaders amid efforts to secure peace and Japan’s energy supplies. Among individual stocks, sharp gains were seen in Furukawa Electric (12.4%), Advantest (9.4%), Disco Corp (6.8%), Tokyo Electron (8.4%) and JX Advanced Metals (12%).
Published on 2026-04-08

Japanese Shares Rally on Two-Week Ceasefire
The Nikkei 225 Index surged 4.4% to above 55,700, while the broader Topix jumped 3.1% to 3,768 on Wednesday, with both benchmarks hitting over one-month highs after the US, Iran and Israel agreed to a two-week ceasefire to allow negotiations for a potential deal to end the war. President Donald Trump delayed planned strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure in what he called a “double-sided ceasefire,” while Iran agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks, stipulating that transit be coordinated with Iran’s Armed Forces. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is seeking separate talks with US and Iranian leaders amid efforts to secure peace and Japan’s energy supplies. Among individual stocks, sharp gains were seen in Furukawa Electric (12.4%), Advantest (9.4%), Disco Corp (6.8%), Tokyo Electron (8.4%) and JX Advanced Metals (12%).
Published on 2026-04-08

Japanese Shares Rally on Two-Week Ceasefire
The Nikkei 225 Index surged 5.39% to close at 56,308, while the broader Topix jumped 3.32% to 3,775 on Wednesday, with both benchmarks hitting over one-month highs after the US, Iran and Israel agreed to a two-week ceasefire to allow negotiations for a potential deal to end the war. President Donald Trump delayed planned strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure in what he called a “double-sided ceasefire,” while Iran agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks, stipulating that transit be coordinated with Iran’s Armed Forces. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is seeking separate talks with US and Iranian leaders amid efforts to secure peace and Japan’s energy supplies. Tech stocks led the advance as risk appetite returned, with strong gains from Kioxia Holdings (18.6%), Advantest (13.6%), Fujikura (11.6%), Disco Corp (7.3%) and SoftBank Group (7.2%). Power companies, banks and carmakers also rallied.
Published on 2026-04-08

Stocks in Japan Hit 4-week High
JP225 increased to 56290.00 Index Points, the highest since March 2026. Over the past 4 weeks, Japan Stock Market Index (JP225) gained 6.53%, and in the last 12 months, it increased 70.15%.
Published on 2026-04-08

Japanese Shares Gain in Cautious Trade
The Nikkei 225 inched up 0.03% to close at 53,430, while the broader Topix gained 0.25% to 3,654 on Tuesday, though both benchmarks surrendered most of their earlier gains as investors braced for President Donald Trump’s looming deadline for Iran to strike a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face intensified attacks. Iran rejected a US ceasefire proposal, demanding an end to hostilities, lifting of sanctions, and regional reconstruction as preconditions. In Japan, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said she plans talks with Iran’s leader and a separate call with Trump amid efforts to find a path toward peace. Notable gains were seen in technology and financial stocks, including Kioxia Holdings (2.1%), Advantest (1.2%), Ibiden Co (1.9%), Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (0.7%), and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (0.7%).
Published on 2026-04-07