| Japan’s Nikkei 225 advanced 1.3% to conclude Friday at 66,364, marking a fifth consecutive session of increases. Equities benefited from a decline in oil prices and a moderation in the recent global bond selloff.
Crude oil benchmarks registered a decrease following indications that the United States and Iran are engaged in discussions regarding a phased accord potentially facilitating the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a cessation of a US blockade on Iranian ports. Global bond yields demonstrated stability following a marked increase over the preceding two sessions. Japan’s 10-year government bond yield retreated slightly from its peak since 1996.
Market confidence was bolstered following the conclusion of discussions in Washington between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump characterized the meeting as “great.” Technology equities propelled the market upward. Kioxia Holdings registered a gain of 2.2%, Advantest increased by 2.8%, and Ibiden advanced 4.2%. Financial sector constituents demonstrated robust performance as well, with Mitsubishi UFJ rising 4%, Sumitomo Mitsui gaining 3.6%, and Mizuho Financial increasing 4.2%. |