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Yen Strengthens as Japan Election Boosts Confidence, Dollar Wavers Ahead of U.S. Jobs Data 
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Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Dollar Retreats Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
ASX Shares Slide as 2026 Cost Outlook Jumps Amid CEO Exit and ASIC Probe 
Asian Stocks Hit Record High as Strong U.S. Jobs Data Tempers Fed Rate Cut Hopes 
Oil Prices Edge Higher as US-Iran Tensions and Strong Payroll Data Shape Market Sentiment 
Japan’s Nikkei 225 share average surged beyond the 58,000 level for the first time, extending a powerful stock market rally fueled by expectations of aggressive economic stimulus under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The milestone highlights renewed investor confidence in Japanese equities as policy support and pro-growth measures continue to drive momentum.
In early trading, the benchmark Nikkei 225 Index rose 0.14% to 57,739.20 after briefly touching an intraday high of 58,004.72. The broader Topix index also advanced 0.3% to 3,866.88, reflecting broad-based gains across the Japanese stock market. Market breadth remained positive, with 145 advancers outpacing 79 decliners on the Nikkei index, signaling sustained buying interest.
The latest gains build on a strong performance throughout the year, with the Nikkei now up 14.5% year-to-date. The rally has accelerated following Prime Minister Takaichi’s decisive electoral victory, which centered on a platform of expanded fiscal stimulus and economic revitalization. Investors are betting that increased government spending and supportive monetary conditions will bolster corporate earnings, strengthen domestic demand, and attract further foreign investment into Japan’s financial markets.
Market participants view the new administration’s policy direction as a catalyst for continued growth in Japanese stocks. Expectations of infrastructure investment, corporate reforms, and measures aimed at stimulating consumption have helped lift sentiment across sectors. The sustained upward trend also reflects improving global risk appetite and renewed confidence in Japan’s economic outlook.
As the Nikkei 225 pushes to record territory, traders are closely monitoring policy announcements and economic data for confirmation that the bullish trend can be maintained. With strong year-to-date gains and solid market breadth, Japan’s stock market remains one of the standout performers in Asia’s equity landscape.
