Japan's Nikkei Surges 4% as Trump's Comments on Middle East War Ease Tensions

Japan's Nikkei share average rose 3.87% to 53,039.72, supported by hopes of a de-escalation in the Middle East conflict after US President Donald Trump said the war with Iran could end in two to three weeks. Chip and AI-related shares led the gains, with Advantest and SoftBank Group jumping 7.9% and 4.7%, respectively. Bank shares also rose, with Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group jumping 6% and 7%, respectively.