Japanese stocks closed higher on Friday, supported by solid gains in the real estate, banking, and textile sectors, which helped lift the broader market.
At the close in Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 advanced 0.35%, ending the session on a positive note.
Top gainers and losers
Leading the index higher was Nintendo, which surged 4.52% or 450 points to close at 10,400. Chugai Pharmaceutical climbed 4.20% to 8,753, while Resona Holdings rose 4.13% to finish at 1,817.
On the downside, Lasertec was the session’s worst performer, dropping 5.78% to 36,490. Japan Steel Works fell 3.28% to 9,005, while Ajinomoto declined 2.92% to 3,553.
Overall market breadth was positive, with advancing shares outpacing decliners by 2,212 to 1,352 on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, while 269 stocks ended unchanged.
Shares of Chugai Pharmaceutical reached fresh all-time highs, while Resona Holdings climbed to their strongest level in five years.
Volatility, commodities, and currencies
The Nikkei Volatility Index, which tracks implied volatility in Nikkei 225 options, dropped sharply, falling 13.65% to 29.61.
In commodities, crude oil for March delivery gained 0.86% to $59.87 per barrel, while Brent crude rose 0.83% to $64.59. Gold futures for February increased 0.85% to $4,955.06 per ounce.
In currency markets, the yen weakened slightly, with USD/JPY rising 0.31% to 158.88, while EUR/JPY added 0.23% to 186.55. Meanwhile, U.S. dollar index futures edged up 0.04% to 98.22.
