FX.co ★ Japanese Shares Gain as Oil, Yields Retreat

The Nikkei 225 Index climbed 1.3% to close at 66,364 on Friday, extending its winning streak to a fifth straight session as retreating oil prices and an easing in the global bond selloff provided support for equities. Crude prices fell following reports that the US and Iran were exploring a phased agreement that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz and lift a US blockade on Iranian ports.

Global bond yields also steadied after a sharp two-day surge, while Japan’s 10-year government bond yield edged back from its highest level since 1996. In geopolitics, Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping concluded bilateral talks in Washington, with Trump characterizing the meeting as “great.”

Technology stocks led the advance, with Kioxia Holdings up 2.2%, Advantest gaining 2.8%, and Ibiden Co rising 4.2%. Financial shares also outperformed, including Mitsubishi UFJ, which climbed 4%, Sumitomo Mitsui, up 3.6%, and Mizuho Financial, up 4.2%.