The Nikkei Stock Average closed the morning session on the 16th up 1,415.35 yen from the previous day at 59,549.59 yen, extending its sharp gains. Trading volume on the Prime Market was approximately 1.12053 billion shares, with a turnover of approximately 4.2941 trillion yen. Advancers totaled 1,021 against 470 decliners, with 84 issues unchanged.

In the morning session of the Tokyo market, the Nikkei Average jumped over 1,400 yen to reach the 59,000 yen level. The index surpassed its record closing high of 58,850 yen set on Feb. 27, just before the Iran conflict, and exceeded the intraday high of 59,332 yen recorded on the 26th. Buying orders for futures flowed in from the morning, driven by expectations of progress in U.S.-Iran ceasefire negotiations and following the previous day's rally in U.S. technology stocks. High-priced stocks, particularly chip-related issues, rose to lift the overall market. Over 60% of Prime Market issues advanced. During trading hours, China's January-March GDP grew 5.0% year-on-year, accelerating from 4.5% in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Individual gainers included SoftBank Group Corp. <9984>, ADVANTEST CORPORATION <6857>, Tokyo Electron Limited <8035>, and Fujikura Ltd. <5803>. Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. <6981> and TDK Corporation <6762> rose, while Toyota Motor Corporation <7203> and Sony Group Corporation <6758> remained firm. Kioxia Holdings <285A> was solid and Daikin Industries, Ltd. <6367> surged. On the other hand, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. <7012> and Komatsu Ltd. <6301> declined, while BayCurrent, Inc. <6532> slumped. Inpex Corporation <1605> and Hoya Corporation <7741> were weak.

Source: MINKABU PRESS

*Translated by generative AI. Click here for the original article.