Japan’s Nikkei Climbs Toward Record Highs

2026-04-16 01:05 By Jam Kaimo Samonte 1 min. read

The Nikkei 225 Index rose 1.5% to trade above 59,000 on Thursday, moving closer to fresh record levels as optimism built around a potential agreement to end the Middle East conflict.

Reports suggested Washington and Tehran are considering extending their two-week ceasefire to allow additional time for peace negotiations, even as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed amid a dual blockade.

Japanese equities also tracked Wall Street’s record-setting rally overnight, supported by strong bank earnings and renewed demand for technology shares.

Tech and AI-linked stocks led gains in Japan, with notable advances in SoftBank Group (2.3%), Fujikura (2.4%), and Advantest (1.5%).

Other index heavyweights also strengthened, including JX Advanced Metals (1.9%), Mitsubishi UFJ (1.5%), and Daikin Industries (10.8%).



News Stream
Asian Stocks Follow Wall Street Rally
Asian equity markets advanced on Thursday, tracking a record-setting rally on Wall Street as hopes for renewed negotiations and a longer-term peace deal between the US and Iran lifted investor sentiment. Strong corporate earnings and a resurgence in technology shares further underpinned gains in global equities. Shares in Japan and South Korea led regional gains, fueled by renewed interest in artificial intelligence and related technologies. Hong Kong and Chinese stocks also climbed.
2026-04-16
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The Nikkei 225 Index rose 1.5% to trade above 59,000 on Thursday, moving closer to fresh record levels as optimism built around a potential agreement to end the Middle East conflict. Reports suggested Washington and Tehran are considering extending their two-week ceasefire to allow additional time for peace negotiations, even as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed amid a dual blockade. Japanese equities also tracked Wall Street’s record-setting rally overnight, supported by strong bank earnings and renewed demand for technology shares. Tech and AI-linked stocks led gains in Japan, with notable advances in SoftBank Group (2.3%), Fujikura (2.4%), and Advantest (1.5%). Other index heavyweights also strengthened, including JX Advanced Metals (1.9%), Mitsubishi UFJ (1.5%), and Daikin Industries (10.8%).
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