FX.co ★ Japanese Shares Advance on Easing Trade Tensions

The Nikkei 225 Index rose by 1.04% to close at 36,830 on Friday, while the broader Topix increased by 0.31% to reach 2,688. Both indices achieved their highest levels in over a month, buoyed by a renewed global trade optimism. China has indicated its openness to resuming trade negotiations with the United States, following several parties from Washington seeking dialogue. Concurrently, Japan and the U.S. wrapped up a second series of bilateral trade discussions, with Japan targeting June to finalize an agreement. In terms of monetary policy, the Bank of Japan maintained its benchmark interest rate at 0.5%, while revising its growth and inflation predictions downward, reducing expectations for imminent rate hikes. Among the key performers were Advantest, up by 1.1%, Nintendo with a 1.8% increase, Toyota Motor also rising by 1.1%, Sanrio advancing by 2.7%, and Fast Retailing climbing by 2%.