TOKYO: Japan’s Nikkei share gauge climbed on Friday, eking out a weekly gain, as a paring back of rate hike bets in the United States and positive economic signs at home boosted sentiment.
The benchmark Nikkei 225 advanced 1.47percent to close at 69,744.07, recovering from a 1.6percent slide earlier in the session. The gauge gained 0.5percent on the week. The broader Topix gained 1.24percent to 4,064.60, marking its fifth straight session of gains, its longest such run since October 2025.
A softer-than-expected US payrolls report overnight prompted traders to cut near-term bets for a rate increase by the Federal Reserve. Market sentiment was also supported by data in Japan on Friday showing improving services activity.
“Following the release of the employment figures, expectations of an early interest rate hike by the Fed have receded, leading to firm performance in cyclical and consumer-related shares,” said Maki Sawada, an equities strategist at Nomura Securities.
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