Japanese Shares Struggle Despite Robust GDP Data

2026-05-19 00:31 By Jam Kaimo Samonte 1 min. read

The Nikkei 225 Index fell 0.44% to close at 60,550, while the broader Topix Index gained 0.63% to 3,851 on Tuesday, with Japanese shares struggling for clear direction even after stronger-than-expected economic growth data improved the corporate outlook.

Japan’s economy expanded 0.5% QoQ in the first quarter, accelerating from 0.2% in Q4 and exceeding market expectations of 0.4%.

Still, the outlook remains uncertain amid ongoing Middle East tensions, with the broader economic effects of the conflict yet to be fully reflected in the data.

Investor was somewhat support by hopes that the US and Iran may return to negotiations after President Donald Trump said he halted a planned strike on Iran for Tuesday following appeals from Gulf allies.

Financial stocks advanced, with Mitsubishi UFJ rising 3.8%, Sumitomo Mitsui jumping 3.7%, and Mizuho Financial climbing 5.5%.

In contrast, tech stocks mostly declined, including Kioxia (-3.3%), Fujikura (-17%) and SoftBank Group (-4.2%).



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The Nikkei 225 Index fell 0.44% to close at 60,550, while the broader Topix Index gained 0.63% to 3,851 on Tuesday, with Japanese shares struggling for clear direction even after stronger-than-expected economic growth data improved the corporate outlook. Japan’s economy expanded 0.5% QoQ in the first quarter, accelerating from 0.2% in Q4 and exceeding market expectations of 0.4%. Still, the outlook remains uncertain amid ongoing Middle East tensions, with the broader economic effects of the conflict yet to be fully reflected in the data. Investor was somewhat support by hopes that the US and Iran may return to negotiations after President Donald Trump said he halted a planned strike on Iran for Tuesday following appeals from Gulf allies. Financial stocks advanced, with Mitsubishi UFJ rising 3.8%, Sumitomo Mitsui jumping 3.7%, and Mizuho Financial climbing 5.5%. In contrast, tech stocks mostly declined, including Kioxia (-3.3%), Fujikura (-17%) and SoftBank Group (-4.2%).
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