FX.co ★ Japanese Shares Rise Amid Robust Trade Data

The Nikkei 225 Index climbed 1% to move above 57,000, while the broader Topix Index advanced 1% to 3,800 on Wednesday, recovering losses from earlier in the week as Japan reported strong export growth. Exports surged 16.8% year-on-year in January, the fastest pace in nearly four years, supported by robust shipments to Asia and Western Europe.

Exports to China, Japan’s largest trading partner, jumped 32%, rebounding from a modest 5.6% increase in December that had been dampened by diplomatic tensions. Separately, Japan announced plans to invest $36 billion in US oil, gas, and critical mineral projects, as part of its $550 billion commitment under a trade agreement with US President Donald Trump.

Financials led the market rally, with Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Mizuho Financial Group, and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group gaining between 2.1% and 3.2%. Selected technology and AI-related stocks also advanced, including Tokyo Electron (+3%), Fujikura (+3.2%), and Lasertec (+1.7%).