The Japanese stock market closed higher on Friday, with the Nikkei 225 index recording a 0.35% increase by the end of trading in Tokyo. The day’s rise was primarily supported by strong performances in the Real Estate, Banking, and Textile sectors.
Among the top performers on the Nikkei 225, Nintendo Co Ltd (TYO:7974) led the gains, advancing by 4.52%, or 450 points, to close at 10,400.00. Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (TYO:4519) followed with a 4.20% increase, adding 353 points to finish at an all-time high of 8,753.00. Resona Holdings, Inc. (TYO:8308) also saw notable gains, climbing 4.13%, or 72 points, to reach a five-year peak of 1,817.00.
Conversely, some companies experienced declines. Lasertec Corp (TYO:6920) was the largest laggard, dropping 5.78%, or 2,240 points, to close at 36,490.00. Japan Steel Works Ltd (TYO:5631) decreased by 3.28%, or 305 points, ending at 9,005.00, whereas Ajinomoto Co., Inc. (TYO:2802) slid 2.92%, losing 107 points to settle at 3,553.00.
Overall market momentum was positive, as gainers outnumbered losers with 2,212 stocks rising compared to 1,352 declining on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Additionally, 269 shares remained unchanged.
The Nikkei Volatility Index, which reflects the implied volatility of Nikkei 225 options, fell significantly by 13.65% to 29.61, indicating calmer market expectations for near-term price fluctuations.
In commodity markets, crude oil for March delivery gained 0.86%, rising $0.51 to trade at $59.87 per barrel. Brent crude also increased by 0.83%, or $0.53, reaching $64.59 a barrel. Meanwhile, February Gold Futures showed a substantial rise of 0.85%, or $41.66, closing at $4,955.06 per troy ounce.
Currency movements showed a modest appreciation in the Japanese yen against the US dollar and the euro. The USD/JPY rate increased by 0.31% to 158.88, and EUR/JPY rose 0.23% to 186.55. The US Dollar Index Futures posted a marginal gain of 0.04%, standing at 98.22.