Japan and Asia Markets Rebounded Amid Potential Easing of Tensions In Middle East

Akira Ito
10 Mar, 2026
Tokyo

Japan's stocks rebounded, and crude oil regained previous session's losses amid a recovery in market sentiment. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average soared nearly 3%, the broader Topix advanced more than 2%, and the yen stabilized at 157.05 against the U.S. dollar.

Stocks in Tokyo and Asia rebounded amid expectations of easing tensions in the Middle East. 

The U.S. president signaled that the U.S. may end its missile strikes at targets in Iran, claiming that the U.S. objectives in Iran were "pretty well achieved." 

The sharp jump in crude oil prices and extreme pressure from allies in the Middle East and Europe appear to have forced Donald Trump from backing down from continuing the latest military strikes in Iran.

Despite Trump's claims, investors remained skeptical about the intentions of the U.S. and Israel. 

Brent crude oil prices dropped 5.2% to $93.70 a barrel, and gold prices advanced 0.7% to $176.74 an ounce. 

Japan's fourth-quarter annual GDP growth was revised higher to 0.3% from the initial estimate of 0.1%. 

The Cabinet Office upwardly revised economic growth, following a 0.7% contraction in the third quarter, amid upward revisions to business investment, government spending, and private consumption.

 

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average gained 2.9% to 54,248.39, and the broader TOPIX Index advanced 2.2% to 3,652.56. 

In Tokyo's trading, tech stocks led the rebound, and large banks and financial services providers and defense-related stocks participated in the market rally. 

Tokyo Electron, Advantest Corp., Lasertec, and SoftBank Group gained between 5% and 14%. 

Nippon Yusen KK increased 0.6% to ¥5,592.0; Mitsui O.S.K. Lines edged up 0.6% to ¥6,001.0; and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha gained 1.4% to ¥2,613.0.