Asian Stock Markets Open Volatil, Japanese Shares Surge Amid US-Iran Peace Negotiations

Asian-Pacific stock markets were volatile at the opening of trading today, Thursday, 9 May 2026. Japan’s benchmark index led the gains, surging more than 4% as tensions in the Middle East escalated once again. Regional sentiment was also supported by a statement from United States President Donald Trump, who threatened to intensify attacks on Iran if peace negotiations fail. Trump’s threat came amid reports that Washington and Tehran are close to reaching an agreement to end the war. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated that the US military operation known as Operation Epic Fury would end if Iran agrees to the terms that have been settled. This positive signal propelled the Nikkei 225 up 4.18% at the morning market open. The rise was led by strengthening shares in the materials, technology, and financial sectors. Shares in major company SoftBank rose more than 12%. Electronics firm Ibiden posted the best performance with a 16% surge. Mitsui Kinzoku shares gained 15%, while Renesas Electronics strengthened by 13%. Shares in chemicals and materials company Tosoh Corporation jumped 12%. The Topix index also recorded a 2.37% increase. Australia’s benchmark S&P/ASX 200 soared 0.9%. In South Korea, the Kospi index fell 1.11%. Similarly, the Kosdaq index, comprising small-cap shares, dropped 0.98%.