Japan's Nikkei 225 hits record 65,158 amid US‑Iran peace hopes

Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 closed at a record 65,158.19 on Monday, up 1,819.12 points or 2.87%, breaking the 65,000 barrier for the first time. The broader Topix index also set a new high around 3,946.

The rally was fueled by optimism that U.S.‑Iran negotiations were moving toward a 60‑day cease‑fire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Falling crude‑oil prices – West Texas Intermediate slipped more than $4 a barrel – lifted risk appetite, benefitting exporters, technology and semiconductor‑related stocks. Leading gainers included SoftBank Group, Toyota, Sony and chip‑equipment makers such as Tokyo Electron and Advantest.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s signal that talks were advancing helped calm fears about energy supplies. Analysts noted the agreement remains uncertain, but the market reaction reflected relief from recent Middle‑East volatility. The surge adds to a 70% gain in the Nikkei over the past year, driven by corporate‑governance reforms, strong earnings and a weaker yen that supports exporters.