The Nikkei 225 Index rose 2.38% to close at 59,518 on Thursday, setting a new all-time high amid growing optimism over a possible agreement to end the conflict in the Middle East. Reports suggest that Washington and Tehran are considering extending their two-week ceasefire to allow more time for peace talks, even as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively shut under a dual blockade.
Japanese equities also tracked Wall Street’s record-setting rally overnight, buoyed by strong bank earnings and renewed buying interest in technology shares. Tech and AI-related stocks led the gains, with notable advances in SoftBank Group (up 5.1%), Kioxia Holdings (up 4.5%), and Fujikura (up 4.7%). Daikin Industries jumped 9.1% after activist investor Elliott Investment Management disclosed a stake in the company and urged reforms aimed at unlocking shareholder value.
