Nikkei Rises, Led by Banking Stocks

Japanese stock markets closed higher in Thursday's trading (September 17). The Nikkei 225 index rose 0.53%, driven by gains in the real estate, banking, and textile sectors.

Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma was the top performer, surging 5.30%. Japan Steel Works also posted a gain of 4.87%, while Nintendo rose 4.29% by the close of trading.

Conversely, Mitsui Mining and Smelting saw the steepest decline, dropping 6.70%. Resonac Holdings fell 4.03%, and Taiyo Yuden weakened by 3.89%.

Overall market sentiment remained positive. A total of 2,595 stocks advanced—far outnumbering the 875 that declined—while 269 stocks remained unchanged. The Nikkei volatility index fell 7.30% to 28.44, signaling reduced investor anxiety.

In other markets, oil and gold prices edged lower. WTI crude fell to US$100.95 per barrel, Brent crude weakened to US$104.15, and the December gold contract dropped to US$4,348.95 per troy ounce. The yen strengthened against the US dollar, with the USD/JPY pair falling to 155.63, while the dollar index weakened to the 99.88 level.