【Fujitomi】Nikkei average extends gains significantly; caution expected for tomorrow’s North Korea and the 85th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People's Army

The Nikkei average continued its rise, finishing at 18,875.88 yen, up 255.13 yen (1.37%) from the previous week’s close. Following the first round results of the French presidential election on the 23rd, the risk-off mood receded and the yen weakened to around 110 yen per dollar. On the other hand, with North Korea's 85th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People's Army approaching tomorrow, geopolitical risk remains a concern, and the Nikkei Average traded in a higher range without a clear direction.

According to the French Ministry of the Interior, after 97% of votes counted in the first round of the French presidential election on the 23rd, Emmanuel Macron, former economy, industry and digital minister, had 23.9%, and Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally, had 21.5%. No candidate had a majority, and the top two advanced to the May 7 runoff. Ipsos polls suggested Macron would win the runoff with 62% to Le Pen’s 38%.

TOPIX also rose, finishing at 1,503.19, up 14.61 points (0.98%) from the previous week’s close. Tokyo Stock Exchange First Section trading value was 2.1193 trillion yen, with a trading volume of 1.92119 billion shares. The number of rising issues on the First Section was 1,534, down issues 381, and unchanged 101.

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