The Nikkei 225 Index edged up 0.1% to around 50,880 while the broader Topix Index advanced 0.8% to 3,348 on Wednesday, recouping losses from the previous session as signs that the prolonged US government shutdown could soon end lifted sentiment globally. Investors also welcomed data showing Japan’s manufacturing confidence surged to a near four-year high in November, supported by stronger global demand for cars and electronics amid a weaker yen. Top gainers included Fujikura (1.9%), Mitsubishi UFJ (2.4%), Sony Group (3%), Toyota Motor (1.8%), and Nidec Corp (5.7%). Meanwhile, SoftBank Group slumped 5% after selling its entire $5.83 billion stake in US chipmaker Nvidia to refocus on ChatGPT maker OpenAI. The company also pared its holdings in T-Mobile, raising $9.17 billion.