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Japanese Equities Climb After US Benchmark Hit Record Highs

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Japanese stocks rose in the early session on Friday, tracking US benchmarks that reached all-time highs, driven by a surge in artificial-intelligence-related news and stellar earnings.

The Nikkei 225 rose 224.7 points or 0.4% to 62,878.71 at the open, following the S&P 500's record-breaking close above 7,500 points overnight.

Elsewhere in Asia, market focus will shift to Taiwan following the conclusion of US President Donald Trump's visit to China, with the status of Taiwan becoming a central point of contention.

On the geopolitical front, Trump has indicated that Beijing is open to backing negotiations with Iran, as he seeks a diplomatic solution to halt the ongoing conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

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