Japanese Shares Rise on US-China Trade Optimism
The Nikkei 225 Index climbed 0.92% to close at 38,088 on Monday, while the broader Topix Index added 0.58% to 2,785, marking a second consecutive day of gains for Japanese equities. The rally was fueled by renewed optimism over US-China trade relations, as signs of easing tensions lifted investor sentiment.
Market confidence was buoyed by reports that Beijing had granted temporary approvals for rare earth exports and that US-based Boeing resumed commercial jet deliveries to China.
On the domestic front, Japan’s first-quarter GDP was revised upward to show flat growth, compared to an initial estimate of a 0.2% contraction.
While the revision was positive, the reading still marked a sharp slowdown from the 0.6% expansion in the prior quarter. Technology stocks led the charge, with strong performances from Advantest (+4.9%), Lasertec (+2.5%), and Disco (+3.2%). Other notable gainers included Fujikura (+2.5%), Sanrio (+3.5%), and Mizuho Financial (+2.1%).
Source: Trading Economics
