The Nikkei 225 rose 132 points, or 0.25%, to close at 50,420 on Tuesday, the final trading day of the year, reversing previous losses and securing a robust 28.1% gain for 2025. It marked the index’s third straight annual advance, supported by Japan’s steady economic recovery, resilient corporate earnings, and easing global trade headwinds, which helped offset growing concerns over the Bank of Japan’s gradual rate-hike path amid lingering cost pressures. Gains were driven by select heavyweight stocks despite broader sector weakness, with Fujitsu jumping 2.3%, Murata Manufacturing rising 1.5%, and Fast Retailing and Hoya Corp. each adding nearly 1%. In contrast, the broader Topix slipped 0.5% after earlier gains, underscoring uneven market participation. Still, the Topix finished 2025, with a surge of 22.4%, extending its rally to a third consecutive year and underscoring the underlying strength of Japan’s equity market despite near-term volatility. Markets will reopen on Monday, Jan. 5.
