FX.co ★ Japanese Shares Rise in Cautious Trade

The Nikkei 225 Index rose 0.55% to close at 53,413 on Monday, extending the prior session’s gains as investors turned cautiously optimistic about the prospects for a ceasefire in the Middle East. The US, Iran, and a group of regional mediators are reportedly negotiating a potential 45-day truce that could lay the groundwork for a more durable settlement of the conflict. This comes after President Donald Trump set a new deadline for Iran and escalated threats against its power plants and other civilian infrastructure should the Strait of Hormuz remain closed. Japan, which is heavily dependent on oil imports from the Middle East, remains highly vulnerable to supply disruptions, prompting authorities to draw on emergency reserves and secure alternative energy sources. Among notable gainers were Kioxia Holdings (up 4.4%), Furukawa Electric (4.2%), Lasertec (4.5%), Advantest (1.7%), and Disco Corp (2%).