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%).

The Nikkei 225 Index gained 11 points or 0.02 percent on Tuesday to close at 53424 points. Gains were led by Fujitsu (3.01%), Sumitomo Realty & Development (3.01%) and Toto (2.75%). Biggest losers were Hino Motors (-6.32%), Fujikura (-4.22%) and Nikon Corporation (-3.54%).

The Nikkei 225 rose 0.7% to above 53,700, while the broader Topix gained 1% to 3,681 on Tuesday, with the Nikkei climbing for the third straight session as investors weighed mixed signals on the Middle East conflict. President Donald Trump reiterated a Tuesday deadline for Iran to strike a deal or face attacks on civilian infrastructure, though he noted ongoing talks with Tehran are progressing. However, 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. Among individual stocks, notable gains came from Advantest (1.4%), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (2.3%), JX Advanced Metals (1.5%), Tokyo Electron (1.3%), and Ibiden Co (3.1%).