Japanese Shares Rise on Robust Trade Data

2026-06-17 00:58 By Jam Kaimo Samonte 1 min. read

The Nikkei 225 Index gained 0.2% to trade above 69,500 on Wednesday, remaining near record highs as stronger-than-expected trade data improved sentiment toward Japan’s corporate outlook.

Official figures showed exports jumped 17% year-on-year in May, the fastest pace of growth since November 2022, supported by solid demand for automobiles and semiconductors.

The data followed the Bank of Japan’s decision on Tuesday to raise its policy rate by 25 basis points to 1%, aiming to contain inflationary pressures and support the yen.

Investors also awaited the signing of the US-Iran peace agreement on Friday, which is expected to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and help restore oil flows from the Middle East.

Among individual stocks, notable advances were recorded by Lasertec (7.1%), Tokyo Electron (1.3%), Advantest (1.9%), Disco Corp (1.7%), and Mitsubishi UFJ (1.2%).



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Japanese Shares Rise on Robust Trade Data
The Nikkei 225 Index gained 0.2% to trade above 69,500 on Wednesday, remaining near record highs as stronger-than-expected trade data improved sentiment toward Japan’s corporate outlook. Official figures showed exports jumped 17% year-on-year in May, the fastest pace of growth since November 2022, supported by solid demand for automobiles and semiconductors. The data followed the Bank of Japan’s decision on Tuesday to raise its policy rate by 25 basis points to 1%, aiming to contain inflationary pressures and support the yen. Investors also awaited the signing of the US-Iran peace agreement on Friday, which is expected to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and help restore oil flows from the Middle East. Among individual stocks, notable advances were recorded by Lasertec (7.1%), Tokyo Electron (1.3%), Advantest (1.9%), Disco Corp (1.7%), and Mitsubishi UFJ (1.2%).
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The Nikkei 225 Index gained 50 points or 0.07 percent on Tuesday to close at 69367 points. Gains were led by Fujikura (8.70%), Mitsui Mining & Smelting (8.57%) and Citizen Holdings (6.70%). Biggest losers were Obayashi (-4.27%), Inpex (-3.61%) and Sumitomo Realty & Development (-3.50%).
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The Nikkei 225 Index rose 0.13% to close at 69,404 on Tuesday, reversing earlier losses and hitting fresh record levels after the Bank of Japan delivered a widely expected 25 basis point rate hike to 1%. The move signaled policymakers’ determination to address inflation pressures linked to the Iran conflict and support a persistently weak yen. However, some policymakers opposed the increase, with Toichiro Asada noting that downside risks to output and employment outweigh upside risks to inflation. Investors also monitored geopolitical developments amid expectations that the US and Iran will sign a peace agreement in Switzerland on Friday, a step that could lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Technology shares led gains, with strong performances from Kioxia Holdings (5%), Taiyo Yuden (5.3%), Murata Manufacturing (5.4%), Advantest (3.1%), and Fujikura (8.5%).
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