Japanese stocks finished higher on Friday, supported by strong gains in the real estate, banking and textile sectors, which helped lift the broader market by the end of the trading session.
At the close in Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 advanced 1.44%, reflecting broad-based buying interest across key sectors.
Nikkei 225 movers
Leading the gains was Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd., which surged 9.13% to close at 5,952, marking its highest level in three years. Panasonic Corp also posted a strong performance, climbing 6.91% to end the session at 2,175, a new five-year high. Toray Industries added 5.87%, finishing at 1,046 in late trade.
On the downside, Tokyo Electron Ltd. was the weakest performer, sliding 3.37% to close at 31,500. Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma declined 2.96% to 2,242.50, while Ebara Corp fell 2.38% to finish at 3,938.
Market breadth was positive, with advancing stocks significantly outnumbering decliners on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. A total of 2,656 stocks rose, 932 fell, and 241 ended the session unchanged.
Volatility, currencies and commodities
The Nikkei Volatility Index, which tracks implied volatility for Nikkei 225 options, dropped 2.71% to 27.26, reaching its lowest level in one month.
In commodities, crude oil prices moved higher. U.S. crude for January delivery rose 0.56% to $57.92 a barrel, while Brent crude for February gained 0.49% to $61.58. Gold prices were little changed, with February futures trading flat at $4,312.90 per troy ounce.
In the currency market, the U.S. dollar edged slightly higher against the yen, with USD/JPY up 0.03% at 155.66. The euro also strengthened marginally versus the yen, with EUR/JPY rising 0.01% to 182.70. Meanwhile, U.S. Dollar Index futures inched up 0.02% to 98.01.
