The Nikkei 225 Index Closes 2.68% Higher

The Nikkei 225 Index gained 1731 points or 2.68 percent on Friday to close at 66424 points. Gains were led by Sumco (19.95%), Murata Manufacturing (16.70%) and Taiyo Yuden (14.45%).

Asian equity markets moved higher on Friday after reports indicated that the US and Iran had reached a temporary agreement to extend their ceasefire by 60 days and begin negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program. The report also pointed to the possible resumption of unrestricted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, sending energy prices lower and easing concerns for oil-importing economies across Asia. Investor sentiment was further supported by renewed optimism surrounding AI after Dell Technologies surged nearly 40% in extended trading on the back of a strong sales outlook tied to the rapid expansion of data centers. Major benchmarks in Japan and South Korea led regional advances, while stocks in Australia, China and Hong Kong also posted gains.

The Nikkei 225 Index jumped 2.53% to close at 66,329 while the broader Topix Index climbed 1.41% to 3,957 on Friday, as Japanese equities resumed their rally toward fresh record highs after reports that the US and Iran had reached a temporary agreement to extend their ceasefire by 60 days and begin negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program. The report also pointed to a possible resumption of unrestricted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, driving energy prices lower and easing concerns for oil-importing economies such as Japan. On the domestic front, data showed Japan’s retail sales expanded at the fastest pace in a year, while industrial production unexpectedly increased. Among notable gainers, Kioxia rose 7.5%, SoftBank Group jumped 5.1%, Murata Manufacturing advanced 12.7%, Taiyo Yuden gained 13.9%, and Ibiden Co climbed 16.5%. The Nikkei and Topix indexes advanced 11.88% and 6.17%, respectively, for the month, driven largely by renewed optimism around artificial intelligence.