Japanese stocks witnessed a significant upswing at the close of Friday’s trading session, with the Nikkei 225 index experiencing a notable 1.50% increase. This surge was predominantly driven by gains in the Machinery, Precision Instruments, and Shipbuilding sectors.
Closing in Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 reached a new five-year high, reflecting the positive momentum in the market.
Among the top performers during the session on the Nikkei 225, Fast Retailing Co., Ltd. (TYO:9983) showcased a remarkable rise of 6.34%, equivalent to 2,320.00 points, concluding at 38,940.00 by the closing bell. Similarly, SUMCO Corp. (TYO:3436) recorded a gain of 5.13%, adding 111.50 points to finish at 2,283.00, while Recruit Holdings Co Ltd (TYO:6098) exhibited a surge of 4.89%, translating to 290.00 points, reaching 6,224.00 in late trade.
Conversely, the session’s worst performers on the Nikkei 225 included Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding (TYO:7003), which experienced a decline of 5.25%, or 39.00 points, concluding at 704.00. Panasonic Corp (TYO:6752) witnessed a decrease of 2.77%, or 40.50 points, finishing at 1,419.00, and Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd. (TYO:3382) faced a downturn of 2.65%, shedding 155.00 points to reach 5,702.00.
The Tokyo Stock Exchange reported a higher count of falling stocks compared to advancing ones, with 2418 stocks declining, 1243 advancing, and 226 remaining unchanged.
Fast Retailing Co., Ltd. (TYO:9983) marked an all-time high during the session, escalating by 6.34% or 2,320.00 to reach 38,940.00. SUMCO Corp. (TYO:3436) achieved a 52-week high, rising by 5.13% or 111.50, closing at 2,283.00, while Recruit Holdings Co Ltd (TYO:6098) also reached a 52-week high, increasing by 4.89% or 290.00 to trade at 6,224.00.
The Nikkei Volatility, measuring the implied volatility of Nikkei 225 options, experienced a 2.19% increase, reaching 19.62, marking a new one-month high.
In commodities trading, crude oil for February delivery witnessed a rise of 2.24%, equivalent to 1.61, reaching $73.63 a barrel. Additionally, Brent oil for delivery in March increased by 2.12%, or 1.64, hitting $79.05 a barrel. The February Gold Futures contract also observed a surge of 1.03%, or 20.80, trading at $2,040.00 per troy ounce.
The USD/JPY pair displayed a 0.10% decrease, settling at 145.14, while the EUR/JPY pair fell by 0.04% to 159.34.
The US Dollar Index Futures reported a marginal decline of 0.03%, concluding at 101.99.