TOKYO: Japan’s Nikkei share gauge surged past key 71,000 level for the first time on Thursday after the United States and Iran extended their ceasefire, easing geopolitical tensions and supporting risk appetite.
The benchmark Nikkei 225 advanced 1.65 percent to close at 71,053.49, after touching an intraday high of 71,398.58. The broader Topix gained 1.37 percent to 4,068.18, also an all-time high.
The US and Iran released the text of an interim agreement to end their war, with US President Donald Trump threatening to resume attacks and kill Iranian officials if they failed to honour their commitments.
Chip-related shares led the Nikkei’s gain, with Murata Manufacturing and Screen Holdings jumping 8.10 percent and 7.21 percent, respectively. Banks also advanced, supported by Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, which rose 3.12 percent.