Nikkei Surges to Record High on Tech Strength

2026-04-23 00:48 By Jam Kaimo Samonte 1 min. read

Japan’s Nikkei 225 Index climbed 0.8% to above 60,000 on Thursday, surpassing the key threshold for the first time, driven by strong gains in technology stocks as an extension of the US-Iran ceasefire lifted risk appetite.

President Donald Trump said the current truce would remain in place indefinitely while Washington awaits a new peace proposal from Iran, although Tehran has indicated it does not intend to join negotiations in the near term.

However, the US blockade of Iranian ports remains in force, while Tehran has seized two vessels in the Strait of Hormuz as it continues to assert control over the strategic passage.

Leading tech gainers in Japan included Kioxia Holdings (3.3%), SoftBank Group (6.8%), Advantest (2.3%), Hitachi (4.7%), and Renesas Electronics (5.5%).

On the downside, notable declines were recorded by Disco Corp (-1.1%), Lasertec (-2.5%), and Recruit Holdings (-4.6%).



News Stream
Asian Stocks Mostly Decline
Asian equity markets mostly declined on Thursday as stalled US-Iran peace negotiations dampened risk appetite. Sentiment remained fragile amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East and continued disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, which remains effectively closed as Tehran maintains control of the strategic waterway and has seized two vessels. The US blockade of Iranian ports also remains in place, contributing to elevated energy prices and persistent inflation risks. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump said the current truce would remain in effect indefinitely while Washington awaits a new peace proposal from Iran. Regional performance was broadly weaker, with shares in Australia, Japan, China, and Hong Kong falling. In contrast, South Korean equities advanced to fresh record highs, supported by a strong rally in technology stocks.
2026-04-23
Nikkei Surges to Record High on Tech Strength
Japan’s Nikkei 225 Index climbed 0.8% to above 60,000 on Thursday, surpassing the key threshold for the first time, driven by strong gains in technology stocks as an extension of the US-Iran ceasefire lifted risk appetite. President Donald Trump said the current truce would remain in place indefinitely while Washington awaits a new peace proposal from Iran, although Tehran has indicated it does not intend to join negotiations in the near term. However, the US blockade of Iranian ports remains in force, while Tehran has seized two vessels in the Strait of Hormuz as it continues to assert control over the strategic passage. Leading tech gainers in Japan included Kioxia Holdings (3.3%), SoftBank Group (6.8%), Advantest (2.3%), Hitachi (4.7%), and Renesas Electronics (5.5%). On the downside, notable declines were recorded by Disco Corp (-1.1%), Lasertec (-2.5%), and Recruit Holdings (-4.6%).
2026-04-23
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The Nikkei 225 Index rose 203 points or 0.34 percent on Wednesday to close at 59552 points. Leading the gains are Resonac Holdings (8.44%), Softbank (8.13%) and Ebara (5.74%). Top losers were Sapporo (-5.13%), Nikon Corporation (-4.20%) and Toho Zinc (-4.06%).
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