TSX:7012 5 January 2026

Tokyo stocks today: Nikkei starts 2026 higher as TEPCO, chip and defense names lead

Japan’s Nikkei 225 surged 3.03% to 51,865 in its first 2026 session, led by a 9.23% jump in TEPCO after it announced plans to restart a reactor this month. Chip and defense stocks rallied, while the yen weakened to 157.295 per dollar. S&P Global’s December manufacturing PMI held at 50.0. Investors now await the BOJ’s Jan. 22-23 meeting and U.S. jobs data due Jan. 9.

5 January 2026

Defense Industry·Japan Economy·Stock Market·TSX:6857·TSX:7011·TSX:7012·TSX:7013·TSX:8035·TSX:9501

US Stock Futures Edge Up Despite Weekly Loss Amid Middle East Conflict and Inflation Concerns
March 20, 2026, 4:54 AM EDT. US stock futures rose modestly Friday, with Dow and S&P 500 contracts up 0.2% and Nasdaq 100 futures gaining 0.1%. The markets are set for a fourth straight weekly loss, pressured by rising oil prices linked to the escalating Middle East conflict. Both Dow and Nasdaq Composite are nearing correction levels, about 8% below recent highs. Brent crude futures fell 1.8% to above $106 a barrel, while WTI dropped 2% near $94, following Israel's pledge to aid US efforts to reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz. Fed Chair Jerome Powell's comments tempered expectations for rate cuts despite indications that one could still occur. Earnings season winds down, with GameStop and Carnival set to report next week.