Nikkei Slips on Final Day but Caps Strong 2025 Rally

2025-12-30 07:11 By Farida Husna 1 min. read

Japan’s Nikkei 225 slipped 0.4% to 50,339 on the final trading session of 2025, weighed down by losses in metals and brokerage stocks.

Despite the late pullback, the benchmark index advanced about 26% over the year, marking its third consecutive annual gain, driven largely by strength in chipmakers and construction-related shares.

The broader Topix fell 0.5% to 3,409 Tuesday but still closed the year up 22% at a record year-end high, supported by a steady economic recovery, resilient earnings, and easing global trade headwinds, despite concerns over the Bank of Japan’s gradual rate hikes.

Among notable performers, Kioxia Holdings surged more than sixfold in 2025, while SoftBank Group climbed 92%.

Major general contractors Taisei and Shimizu more than doubled on higher corporate capex and government infrastructure spending.

Looking ahead, investors will turn their attention to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s policy steps to bolster the economy.

Markets reopen on Monday, Jan. 5.



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