Japan's Nikkei scales record peak on optimism around possible US-Iran peace deal, AI shares

Japan’s Nikkei share average has risen to a record high, powered by renewed optimism for a near-term peace deal in the Middle East and enthusiasm about AI shares, Reuters reports.

The Nikkei notched a lifetime-high close by climbing 2.5pc to 66,329.50, and also marked an all-time intraday peak at 66,505.02.

The broader Topix advanced 1.4pc to 3,957.17, also a record close, and set a new intraday high at 3,984.58.

The Nikkei outperformed largely due to a high concentration of tech stocks, and heavy weighting for some darlings of the AI trade, such as startup investor SoftBank Group, which gained 5.1pc today to bring its advance for the week to 10.9pc.

Our readers are at the heart of everything we do.
Do you have a thought to share or a way we can improve? We’d love to hear it. Reach out to us at feedback@dawn.com.

Iran Israel War

Comments

Branded Content

Why investors who know Lahore are looking closely at Alif Holdings’ 20 Canal Residence

20 Canal Residence: Where prestige meets income.

The Best Free Islamic Tools—No Ads, No Strings Attached

Compare the best free Islamic tools for prayer times and Qibla, with QuranTime offering full access—no ads, no sign-up needed.

K&N's SmartCooking Recipes: Wings with Mushroom Sauce

Creamy mushroom combo wings simmered in a rich garlic and thyme sauce served with flavourful garlic rice.

Most Popular

Oil prices bounce higher after new US strikes on Iran

Punjab govt launches school summer camps in 12 districts

India orders demolition drive along Pakistan border

CM Maryam underwent 'major surgery' at Lahore hospital: Punjab minister

Pressure politics

Dadu sets new maximum temperature record as mercury climbs to 51.5°C

US strikes Iran, drawing retaliatory attack on American base after Trump dismisses report of Hormuz deal

Pakistan, China agree to deepen military cooperation: Chinese Defense Ministry

Justice Babar Sattar decides to retain official residence in Islamabad

Latest Stories

WHO says 906 suspected cases and 223 suspected deaths from Bundibugyo strain of Ebola

Govt cuts petrol, diesel prices by Rs22

Ahead of Australia series, Shaheen hopeful Babar's form from PSL will continue

PTI claims MNA Junaid Akbar, other leaders arrested during election campaign, later expelled from GB

Blue Origin rocket explodes on launchpad in a setback for bid to catch Musk's SpaceX

Karachi's K-IV water project in focus as Sindh CM meets World Bank official

Opinion

Elusive peace agreement

Zahid Hussain

Trump’s ever-shifting stance has clouded the prospects of a peace deal in the near future.

Updated 28 May, 2026

The lender that governs

Saeed Ahmed

Updated 28 May, 2026

Reimagining police stations

Mohammad Ali Babakhel

Updated 29 May, 2026

Plot to kill Cuba

Mahir Ali

Updated 26 May, 2026

Best of times, worst of times

Arifa Noor

Editorial

Updated 28 May, 2026

Pressure politics

The attempt to connect the Iran conflict with the Abraham Accords makes little sense.

Updated 27 May, 2026

Eid’s true spirit

Pakistan celebrates Eid while grappling with economic strain that continues to weigh heavily on ordinary households.

Updated 29 May, 2026

Cotton crisis

We need a coherent long-term cotton strategy or else, Pakistan might lose a key pillar of its export economy.

Updated 26 May, 2026

Balochistan tragedy

The state keeps reiterating the role of hostile foreign actors in fomenting unrest, yet seems to be short on ideas on how to prevent the ingress of such actors and their ideologies in Baloch society.

26 May, 2026