Tokyo stocks end higher on optimism over US-China trade talks

The Mainichi

12-05-2025

TOKYO (Kodo) -- Tokyo stocks ended higher Monday, backed by hopes for easing trade tensions between the United States and China following their first ministerial-level talks since U.S. President Donald Trump imposed steep tariffs on imports.
The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended up 140.93 points, or 0.38 percent, from Friday at 37,644.26. The broader Topix index finished 8.59 points, or 0.31 percent, higher at 2,742.08.
On the top-tier Prime Market, gainers were led by warehousing and harbor transportation service, mining and securities house issues.
The U.S. dollar remained firm against the yen in Tokyo, rising to above 147 yen later in the afternoon, as the Japanese currency, seen as a safe-haven asset, was sold on receding fears of an intensified trade conflict between the world's two largest economies, dealers said.
Tokyo stocks opened higher after China's official media reported that Beijing agreed with Washington during weekend trade talks in Geneva to establish an economic and trade mechanism. But they fell at one point into negative territory as some investors locked in gains following sharp advances on Friday, brokers said.
"While details of the meeting remain unknown, the development can be taken relatively positively as there seems to be a conciliatory mood," said Makoto Sengoku, senior equity market analyst at Tokai Tokyo Intelligence Laboratory Co.
Export-linked auto and machinery shares were supported by a weak yen, which increases exporters' overseas profits when repatriated.