Overview

• The Nikkei 225 crossed the 44,000 level intraday for the first time before ending at 43,459.29, down 184.52 yen on the day.
• TOPIX set fresh intraday highs but finished lower at 3,122.12, a decline of 16.08 points.
• An early surge followed U.S. market strength tied to growing expectations for a Federal Reserve rate cut.
• Investors continued to price in potential fiscal expansion after Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s resignation, with a weaker yen aiding export-linked shares.
• Monex Securities’ chief strategist said investors, notably overseas, locked in gains near 44,000, and cautioned that the outlook hinges on the ruling party’s leadership choice.