Nikkei ends above 40,000, 1st time since Jan. as tariff woes ease
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks rose Friday for a fourth straight day, with the Nikkei index ending above the 40,000 line for the first time since January, as worries about hefty U.S. tariffs eased.
The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average closed up 566.21 points, or 1.43 percent, from Thursday at 40,150.79, its highest level since Dec. 27. The broader Topix index finished 35.85 points, or 1.28 percent, higher at 2,840.54.
On the top-tier Prime Market, gainers were led by nonferrous metal, transportation equipment and securities house issues.
The U.S. dollar briefly strengthened to the upper 144 yen range in Tokyo as the Japanese currency, seen as a safe-haven asset, was sold on hopes for progress in tariff negotiations between the United States and other countries, dealers said.
The Nikkei benchmark briefly jumped over 600 points as investors welcomed the U.S. administration's announcement Thursday that President Donald Trump could extend a 90-day pause on so-called reciprocal tariffs set to expire July 9.
The market was also supported by easing tensions in the Middle East, as the cease-fire agreed earlier in the week by Israel and Iran appeared to be holding, brokers said.
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