Japanese Shares Edge Higher in Cautious Trade

2026-05-01 07:03 By Jam Kaimo Samonte 1 min. read

The Nikkei 225 rose 0.38% to close at 59,513, while the broader TOPIX inched up 0.04% to 3,729 on Friday, recovering part of the previous session’s losses.

However, gains were tempered by caution as the yen rallied sharply, likely driven by official intervention.

A stronger yen typically pressures Japan’s export-oriented sectors and reduces the appeal of domestic assets for foreign investors.

Among individual stocks, gains were led by select technology names such as SoftBank Group (3.9%), Tokyo Electron (6.9%), and Keyence Corporation (7.2%).

Investors also remained focused on geopolitical developments in the Middle East after President Donald Trump reiterated that the US would continue its naval blockade of Iranian ports, while Tehran maintained it would not abandon its nuclear program and signaled ongoing control of the Strait of Hormuz.

Japanese markets will be closed until May 6 for public holidays.



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