FX.co ★ Japanese Shares Rise as PM Ishiba Resigns

The Nikkei 225 Index increased by 1.1%, surpassing 43,500, while the broader Topix Index rose by 0.7% to reach 3,127 on Monday. Japanese stocks edged closer to record highs after Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced his resignation over the weekend. Ishiba's decision came amid deepening divisions within the ruling party and mounting pressure following his national election defeat late last year. Additionally, this development occurred as Japan experienced difficulties in finalizing a trade agreement with the United States, while striving to protect its vital auto industry from significant tariffs. Concurrently, Japan's GDP growth for the second quarter was revised upward on both an annualized and quarterly basis, highlighting robust economic momentum despite tariff challenges. Leading gainers included Mitsubishi Heavy, which advanced by 2.4%, Advantest by 2.1%, Lasertec by 1.6%, Tokyo Electron by 1.6%, and IHI Corp by 1.9%.