Japan’s Nikkei 225 index closed 1.46% higher on Thursday, driven by gains in real estate, banking and textile shares, as broader market sentiment improved in Tokyo.
Advancing stocks totaled 2,907 against 612 decliners, with 226 issues unchanged, according to exchange data. The Nikkei Volatility Index, which tracks implied volatility in Nikkei 225 options, rose 6.33% to 32.44.
Among the top performers, Sumitomo Metal Mining led with a 10.76% gain, adding 1,033 points to close at 10,630. Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma advanced 8.48% to 1,465, while Kansai Electric Power climbed 8.37% to 2,557.50.
On the downside, Aozora Bank fell 3.11% to 3,238, Ibiden declined 2.87% to 19,150, and Nippon Steel dropped 2.20% to 663.
In commodities, front-month crude oil futures rose 0.64% to $84.93 a barrel, while Brent crude for October delivery increased 0.70% to $92.26. December gold futures gained 0.12% to $4,550.86 per troy ounce.
The yen strengthened modestly against major peers, with USD/JPY up 0.11% at 158.36 and EUR/JPY rising 0.21% to 185.09. The U.S. Dollar Index futures were down 0.06% at 98.67.
