Japanese stocks closed higher on Friday, supported by gains in the real estate, banking, and textile sectors, which helped lift the broader market. By the end of the session in Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 advanced 0.62%.
Among the top performers on the benchmark index was Sapporo Holdings Ltd., which climbed 2.49% to finish at 8,271. Shares of DeNA Co Ltd rose 2.39% to 2,618, while Nintendo Co Ltd gained 2.32%, ending the day at 10,795.
On the downside, Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd. was the session’s worst performer, falling 4.36% to 6,255. Mitsui Mining and Smelting Co. slipped 3.00% to 17,325, while Fujikura Ltd. declined 2.61% to close at 17,160.
Market breadth was mixed, with advancing stocks narrowly outpacing decliners on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. A total of 1,867 shares rose, 1,727 fell, and 251 finished unchanged.
Volatility eased further, with the Nikkei Volatility Index dropping 16.13% to 18.77, marking a new 52-week low. In commodities, crude oil for February delivery edged up 0.26% to $58.50 per barrel, while Brent crude gained 0.19% to $62.36. Gold futures for February rose 0.87% to $4,541.85 per ounce.
In currency markets, the yen weakened slightly, with USD/JPY up 0.23% at 156.29 and EUR/JPY rising 0.27% to 184.08. Meanwhile, U.S. Dollar Index futures were little changed, ticking up 0.01% to 97.69.
