Nikkei on track for record 36% quarterly gain as yen hits 40-year low

Asian equities close out a historic quarter with Japan’s benchmark surging, while currency weakness underscores the divergent path of the yen against the dollar.

By Handelsavisen Newsroom · Automated 2026-06-30 03:45 UTC · 1 min read

Asian equity markets are wrapping up a record-breaking second quarter, with Japan’s Nikkei 225 poised to finish with a gain exceeding 36%.

The benchmark index has been the standout performer in the region, driving broad-based strength across Asian equities as investor sentiment remains buoyant.

The market’s optimism is further supported by a recent broad-based rally that saw the Nikkei climb more than 5% to a new record high earlier in the week.

The rally comes as the Japanese yen continues its steep decline, touching a 40-year low against the US dollar.

The currency’s weakness has provided a significant tailwind for Japanese exporters, boosting the earnings outlook for multinational corporations and fueling the equity surge.

However, the divergent performance between the stock market and the currency highlights the complex dynamics at play in the region.

The market’s optimism is further supported by a recent broad-based rally that saw the Nikkei climb more than 5% to a new record high earlier in the week.