Japan’s benchmark stock index, the Nikkei 225, reached a historic milestone on Monday by crossing the 65,000 mark for the first time ever. The rally came after oil prices fell sharply, raising hopes that tensions around the Strait of Hormuz could ease soon.
The Nikkei 225 surged more than 3% during holiday-thinned trading in Asia and touched a record high of 65,408.87 points. Japan’s broader Topix index also gained around 1.36%.
Investor confidence improved after former U.S. President Donald Trump said talks with Iran were moving in a “constructive” direction. In a social media post, Trump said negotiations were progressing smoothly and suggested there was no need to rush a deal.
These comments helped calm fears over disruptions in global oil supply. Earlier, oil prices had jumped after tensions increased between the U.S. and Iran, including restrictions on Iranian ports and concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most important shipping routes for crude oil.
As market worries eased, oil prices dropped sharply. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude fell more than 4% to around $92 per barrel, while Brent crude also declined over 4% to nearly $99 per barrel.
Asian markets mostly traded higher alongside Japan. Taiwan’s Taiex index hit an all-time high above 43,000, while Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 and China’s CSI 300 also posted gains. Markets in Hong Kong and South Korea remained closed due to public holidays.
In the U.S., Wall Street ended last week on a positive note. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed nearly 300 points to a fresh record close. The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite also finished higher.
Analysts say lower oil prices often support stock markets because they reduce inflation pressure and improve business sentiment. Investors are now closely watching developments in U.S.-Iran negotiations and global energy markets for further direction.
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