Market Updates
Japan's Benchmark Indexes Inched Closer to Pre-Persian Gulf War Highs
Akira Ito
15 Apr, 2026
Tokyo
Stock market averages rebounded for the second consecutive session amid hopes for a diplomatic solution to the latest war in the Persian Gulf.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average increased 1%, and the broader Topix edged up 0.6%; and the yen hovered at 158.96 against the U.S. dollar.
Investors in Asia and Japan speculated that Iran and the U.S. could resume the second round of talks and avoid prolonging conflict in the Persian Gulf.
In overnight trading on Wall Street, the S&P 500 Index gained 1.2% and the Nasdaq Composite advanced 2%.
The Brent crude oil prices erased morning losses and advanced 1% to $95.76 a barrel.
Investors surmised that the Bank of Japan is likely to revise its inflation expectations higher after the policy meeting this month, reflecting a sharp rise in energy prices.
The yield on five-year Japanese government bonds held firm at 2.405%.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average gained 0.9% to 58,400.76, and the broader Topix advanced 0.6% to 3,776.95.
Technology and semiconductor equipment makers led gainers in Tokyo trading on Wednesday.
Advantest Corp., Tokyo Electron, SoftBank Group, and Lasertec gained between 2% and 5%.
Financial stocks edged higher as investors held out that the Bank of Japan is likely to hold rates steady, despite rising inflation expectations.
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial, and Mizuho Financial advanced between 2% and 3%.
Annual Returns
| Company | Ticker | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 |
|---|
Earnings
| Company | Ticker | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 |
|---|