Nikkei Record as Trump Extends Iran Ceasefire
SkimNews Take
The extension of the Iran ceasefire, by limiting oil price volatility, removed a key external risk factor that could have otherwise dampened market confidence in export-dependent economies like Japan.
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- Japan posted a trade surplus of 667 billion yen ($4.18 billion) in March, beating forecasts of 1.1 trillion yen, fueling the Nikkei’s 0.4% rise to 59,585.86.
- Trump announced via Truth Social that the U.S. ceasefire with Iran is extended until Tehran submits a unified proposal, while the U.S. maintains its blockade of Iranian ports.
- SoftBank shares surged up to 10% after CEO Rene Haas took on the additional role of SoftBank Group International’s chief executive effective April 21.
- South Korea’s Kospi rose 0.46% to 6,417.93, while SK Hynix’s stock fell nearly 1% despite a 19 trillion‑won ($12.9 billion) chip‑packaging investment plan.
- China’s CSI 300 index gained 0.66% to 4,799.62, contrasting with Hong Kong’s Hang Seng which fell 1.19% in its final hour.
Why it matters: Japanese exporters gain as the trade surplus of ¥667 bn lifts the Nikkei 0.4% to a record, boosting investor confidence; SoftBank shareholders benefit from a 10% share jump, but regional markets remain volatile due to Middle‑East tensions.
