The Nikkei 225 rose 0.18% to close at 50,254, while the broader Topix Index gained 0.29% to 3,378 on Friday, with both benchmarks ending the week higher as soft US economic data and dovish signals from policymakers boosted expectations for further Federal Reserve rate cuts. Dip buyers also returned this week after global equities came under pressure through most of November amid concerns over stretched AI valuations. Strong performers on Friday included Kioxia Holdings (4%), Mitsui ES Holdings (10.9%), Advantest (0.8%), Lasertec (0.8%) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (1.7%). On the economic front, Tokyo’s core inflation held steady in November, keeping the Bank of Japan on track for a possible rate hike in the coming months. October industrial production and retail sales also topped market expectations.
