Japan’s Nikkei hits record high as global trade outlook improves

Japan’s Nikkei 225 Stock Average hit an all-time high on Tuesday as optimism over global trade boosted the blue-chip gauge.The Nikkei climbed as much as 1.1% to 42,298.21, joining the benchmark Topix in surpassing a July 2024 peak. Investors bought shares after the US was said to extend a tariff truce with China for another 90 days.

Exporters such as Sharp Corp. and Advantest Corp. were among the biggest gainers. The Nikkei jumped last week after Japan’s top trade negotiator commented that US officials said Washington would end the stacking of universal tariffs on the country and cut car levies as promised. The US is working to finalise an announcement on the stacking, a senior Trump official said Friday.

The milestone comes after the broader Topix hit a record high late last month. The Nikkei, which has a heavy concentration of exporters, including automakers and technology companies, has trailed the broader Topix this year as concerns around tariffs prompted investors to favour more domestically driven stocks.“Japan is a bit more of a known entity now on the tariff front,” said Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade. A deal with the US “offers some certainty for investors,” he said.

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