Tokyo – Japan stocks closed higher on Friday, with the Nikkei 225 gaining 0.54% and reaching a new three-month high. The positive momentum was led by gains in the Steel, Transportation Equipment, and Services sectors.
Key Highlights:
Nikkei 225 Performance: The Nikkei 225 index rose 0.54%, demonstrating strength and hitting a new three-month high at the close.
Sector Gainers: Notable gains were observed in the Steel, Transportation Equipment, and Services sectors, contributing to the overall positive market sentiment.
Top Performers: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (TYO:7011) emerged as a top performer, rising 6.38%, followed by Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd. (TYO:7735) with a gain of 4.45%, and Resonac Holdings Corp (TYO:4004) advancing by 4.38%.
Top Losers: Oji Holdings Corp. (TYO:3861) experienced a decline of 2.69%, while Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. (TYO:3863) and Daikin Industries, Ltd. (TYO:6367) also ended the session in negative territory.
Market Breadth: Rising stocks outnumbered declining ones on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, with 2195 gaining, 1421 declining, and 264 remaining unchanged.
Resonac Holdings Corp Reaches 52-Week High: Shares in Resonac Holdings Corp (TYO:4004) reached 52-week highs during the session, rising 4.38%.
Volatility Index: The Nikkei Volatility, measuring the implied volatility of Nikkei 225 options, decreased by 3.82% to 17.87, marking a new one-month low.
Commodities: Crude oil for January delivery inched up, while Brent oil for January delivery saw a slight decrease. The December Gold Futures contract rose marginally.
Forex Market: USD/JPY was down 0.19% to 149.27, while EUR/JPY fell 0.18% to 162.80. The US Dollar Index Futures showed a minor decline.
The positive market performance reflects investor confidence, with key sectors contributing to the upward trajectory. Notable individual stock movements and sector dynamics played a crucial role in shaping the day’s trading session.