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Nikkei 225

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729 stories mentioning Nikkei 225Updated 5h ago

Japanese stocks opened little changed as investors stayed cautious ahead of the Bank of Japan's interest rate decision.

Asia

Japanese Stocks Open Lower after BOJ Rate Hike

Japanese equities opened lower on Wednesday after the Bank of Japan raised its benchmark rate by 25 basis points to 1%, the highest since 1995, and signalled further hikes ahead.The Nikkei 225 fell 398.6 points or 0.6% to open at 69,005.88.Meanwhile, Japan recorded its first trade deficit in four months, driven by a surge in imports of chips and electronic components. The nation logged a 378.6 billion yen deficit in May on an unadjusted basis, the Finance Ministry reported Wednesday.

Nikkei 225
Japan Factory Sentiment Rises for Second Month on Chip Demand; Near-Term Outlook Dims
US Markets

Japan Factory Sentiment Rises for Second Month on Chip Demand; Near-Term Outlook Dims

Japanese manufacturers' sentiment improved for a second straight month in June, driven by strong demand from the semiconductor sector.The Reuters Tankan manufacturers' index climbed to plus-13 in June from plus-8 in May, according to the monthly poll conducted from June 3 to June 12 across 215 responding firms out of 490 polled.The print beat the Trading Economics forecast of plus-9.Non-manufacturers' sentiment also rose to plus-32 from plus-29 the previous month.The Reuters Tankan is a monthly leading indicator for the Bank of Japan's quarterly Tankan business survey, which measures current business conditions and economic outlook.The chemicals sub-index led the improvement, jumping to plus-20 from plus-6, as companies cited sustained demand for semiconductors."Despite geopolitical tensions, demand remains robust, especially in semiconductor-related sectors," a manager at a ​chemical company was quoted by Reuters as saying.Electronics and machinery makers also reported improving sentiment, with order books likewise supported by demand for chips.On the services side, real estate and construction confidence contributed to the non-manufacturing gain."Despite rising costs, demand for housing remains robust, and we are seeing a steady flow of new projects," a manager in the real estate industry reportedly said.However, companies flagged a more cautious outlook in the near term amid concerns over geopolitical risks and supply chain challenges, said Reuters.Manufacturers expect sentiment to hold at plus-13 in September, suggesting that momentum will remain positive, but not accelerating. Non-manufacturers forecast a sharper drop to plus-19 from plus-32.The transport machinery sector is among the most pessimistic across Japan's industries for the second half, with the index for the sector anticipated to fall to minus-13 in September from plus-13 in June."We are facing ongoing challenges in sourcing materials due to geopolitical tensions," a transport ⁠machinery company ​manager was quoted by Reuters as saying.The June Tankan survey arrives against a backdrop of moderating inflation and manufacturing activity.Japan's annual core inflation eased to a four-year low of 1.4% in April from 1.8% in March, missing the consensus forecast of 1.7% tracked by Investing.com. It remained below the Bank of Japan's 2% inflation target.On Tuesday, the BOJ raised its policy rate to a three-year high of 1% from 0.75%, as widely expected. It marked the first since December."With underlying inflation approaching 2%, we need to be mindful ​of upward price risks. We will guide policy so that we won't fall behind the curve," Deputy Governor Shinichi Uchida told a news conference on ⁠behalf of Governor Kazuo Ueda, who missed the meeting to undergo medical treatment.On the activity side, the S&P Global Japan Manufacturing PMI slipped to 54.5 in May from April's 51-month high of 55.1 as input costs and selling prices rose at among the sharpest rates on record.

Nikkei 225
International

Japan Swings to Trade Deficit in May

Japan incurred a trade deficit of 378.7 billion yen in May, versus a revised trade surplus of 299.3 billion yen in April, according to preliminary data released by Japan Customs on Wednesday.The deficit, however, was lower than the consensus deficit forecast of 564.6 billion yen tracked by Investing.com, and compared with the deficit of 662.5 billion yen in May 2025.Exports rose 17% year over year to 9.512 trillion yen, sharper than the 14.8% rise the previous month. It beat the Investing.com consensus estimate of a 16.2% increase.Imports rose 12.5% year over year to 9.890 trillion yen, accelerating from the 9.8% rise the previous month, and marginally missing the Trading Economics consensus estimate of 12.8%.

Nikkei 225
International

Japan's Core Machinery Orders Expand 8.7% in April

Japan's core machinery orders, which exclude volatile sectors such as ships and electric power, increased 8.7% month on month on a seasonally adjusted basis in April, according to data from the Cabinet Office released on Wednesday.The reading beat the consensus forecast of a 1.2% rise tracked by Investing.com, and rebounded from a 9.4% contraction recorded in the previous month.By sector, manufacturing orders grew 5.1% to 513.5 billion yen, driven primarily by demand in industries such as textile mill products and non-ferrous metals. Meanwhile, non-manufacturing orders rose 6.7% to 570.1 billion yen.On a year-over-year basis, core machinery orders edged up 15.6%.

Nikkei 225
International

Japan's Reuters Tankan Manufacturing Sentiment Rises to Three-Month High in June

Sentiment among major Japanese manufacturers improved in June, with the Reuters Tankan Index for manufacturers rising to 13 from 8 in the previous month, according to the monthly poll released on Wednesday.The reading beat the Trading Economics forecast of 9 points, and marked the highest level since March's 18-point reading.Meanwhile, the Reuters Tankan Index for non-manufacturers also rose to 32 points in June from 29 in May.The manufacturers' index is forecast to stay at 13 points in September, while the non-manufacturers' index is predicted at 19 points.

Nikkei 225
Asia Markets

Soft China Economic Reports Roil Asian Stock Markets

Asian stock markets churned unevenly higher on Tuesday, as traders monitored media reports on a Persian Gulf peace deal and reviewed a slew of tempered economic reports from Beijing.Tokyo inched into green, while Hong Kong and Shanghai lost ground. Other regional exchanges largely finished higher.Brent crude oil futures traded at $81.06 during market hours, down 2.5%.In Japan, the Nikkei 225 opened evenly and finished up 0.1% after a modest key policy rate increase by the Bank of Japan.The benchmark Nikkei 225 rose 87.00 to 69,404.50, inching to another fresh all-time high, although losing issues outnumbered gainers 143 to 78.Leading the upside was telecom-equipment maker Fujikura, up 9%, while builder Obayashi declined 4.5%.In economic news, the Bank of Japan lifted its policy rate to a 31-year high of 1%, citing inflation risks and a soft yen.In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index opened lower and drifted south, closing down 1.4% after economic reports from Beijing pointed to a still-sluggish property market and soft consumer spending.The broad gauge Hang Seng fell 348.72 to 24,493.95, as losing issues outnumbered gainers 74 to 17. The Hang Seng TECH Index lost 2.2% on the day, while the Mainland Properties Index fell 3.6%.Leading the upside was computer-maker Lenovo, gaining 4.3%, while property-concern Longfor declined 8.9%.On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite fell 0.1% to 4,091.89.In economic news, mainland China's retail sales in May fell 0.6% on year, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported.The nation's fixed-asset investment fell 4.1% on-year in the first five months of the year, which was larger than the 1.6% decline seen in the January-April period, added the agency.China's new home prices across 70 cities fell 3.5% on-year in May, matching April's pace and extending a period of softness in home values dating back to 2022 and the COVID-19 pandemic.In contrast, China's industrial production grew 4.5% on year in May, reported the NBS.On the other regional exchanges, the S. Korean KOSPI rose 2.1%; the Taiwan TWSE inclined 0.9%; the Australian ASX 200 was steady; the Singapore Straits Times Index rose 0.8%, and the Thai Set declined 0.2%. In late trading in Mumbai, the Sensex was up 0.7%The MSCI All Country Asia Pacific Index rose 0.5% on the day.

Hang SengNikkei 225Shanghai Composite
Japan

Nikkei 225 Crosses 70,000 Intraday, Closes with Tepid Gains After Bank of Japan Hikes Rates

Japanese equities closed with mild gains on Tuesday after crossing the 70,000 mark for the first time intraday, as investors cheered the rate hike by the central bank.The Nikkei 225 closed up 87.00 points or 0.13% close at 69,404.50.The Bank of Japan raised its benchmark policy rate to 1.0% from 0.75% at the conclusion of its monetary policy meeting on Tuesday. The decision, approved by a 7-1 vote, was in line with market expectations.The central bank said Japan's economy continues to recover moderately, although geopolitical uncertainties remain risks to the outlook.On the corporate side, Internet Initiative Japan (TYO:3774) completed payment for the disposal of 68,111 treasury shares under its restricted stock remuneration plan. The shares were disposed of at 3,064 yen each, totaling 208.7 million yen.Also, Fujitsu (TYO:6702) Chairman ​Hidenori Furuta resigned on Tuesday following "woman-related inappropriate conduct," Reuters reported Tuesday, citing a company spokesperson.

Nikkei 225TYO:3774TYO:6702
Bank of Japan Lifts Interest Rates to 31-Year High Amid Oil-Driven Price Pressures
US Markets

Bank of Japan Lifts Interest Rates to 31-Year High Amid Oil-Driven Price Pressures

Japan's central bank raised interest rates to their highest level in three decades on Tuesday, as policymakers grew more concerned about inflation risks stemming from higher energy costs.The Bank of Japan increased its short-term policy rate by 25 basis points to 1.0% from 0.75% at the conclusion of its two-day policy meeting.The move lifts Japan's benchmark interest rate to its highest level since 1995 and marks the latest step in the central bank's effort to normalize monetary policy after years of ultra-loose settings.The central bank said Japan's economy has recovered moderately, although some weakness has been observed, partly due to the impact of the situation in the Middle East.While higher crude oil prices have weighed on economic activity, the central bank said the economy has generally been supported by factors such as strong corporate profits, improving employment and income conditions, and government measures to reduce the burden of higher energy costs."Japan's economy has been developing generally in line with the baseline scenario, which expects that the economy will continue growing moderately, albeit at a decelerated rate," the BOJ said.On prices, the central bank said consumer inflation excluding fresh food has recently remained below 2%, partly due to government measures to ease household energy costs.However, it warned that the pass-through of higher crude oil prices has been progressing relatively quickly in business-to-business transactions and could spread to consumer prices across a wide range of goods."There is a risk of underlying CPI inflation deviating upward to a level above the price stability target of 2 percent," the BOJ said.The central bank said medium- to long-term inflation expectations have continued to rise, while financial conditions remain accommodative and real interest rates remain negative."In view of these developments in economic activity and prices as well as financial conditions, the Bank judged it appropriate to adjust the degree of monetary accommodation from the perspective of sustainable and stable achievement of the price stability target of 2 percent," it said.Looking ahead, the BOJ said it will continue to raise the policy interest rate and adjust the degree of monetary accommodation in response to developments in economic activity, prices, and financial conditions.The central bank said it would consider the timing and pace of future adjustments while closely monitoring the impact of developments in the Middle East on Japan's economy and inflation outlook.The decision was made by a 7-1 vote. Governor Kazuo Ueda missed the meeting and did not vote due to a two-week hospital stay for an infected liver cyst, according to a Reuters report.Board member Toichiro Asada dissented, arguing that downside risks to production and employment from the situation in the Middle East outweighed upside risks to prices and that the current policy setting should be maintained.Attention will now turn to remarks from Deputy Governor Shinichi Uchida, who is scheduled to brief reporters in place of Ueda and could offer further clues on the timing and pace of future rate increases."I expect a hawkish message today. But the BOJ seems intent on avoiding saying anything that could be taken as a firm commitment, so I do not think it will provide many concrete hints," Masato Koike, senior economist at Sompo Institute Plus, was quoted as saying by Reuters.

Nikkei 225
International

Bank of Japan Raises Benchmark Interest Rate to 1%

The Bank of Japan raised its benchmark policy rate to 1.0% from 0.75% at the conclusion of its monetary policy meeting on Tuesday.The decision, approved by a 7-1 vote, was in line with market expectations.The central bank said Japan's economy continues to recover moderately, although geopolitical uncertainties remain risks to the outlook.Higher crude oil prices have added to inflationary pressures, while strong corporate earnings and a resilient labor market have somehow offset the situation.

Nikkei 225
International

IMF Sees Global Economy Holding Up Amid Middle East Conflict

The global economy has remained resilient despite the Middle East conflict, supported by strong growth in the U.S. and China, though energy importers remain vulnerable, according to a Monday blog by IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva.Oil prices remain about 30% above pre-war levels, contributing to higher inflation in many economies.However, inflation expectations have generally remained anchored, while financial markets have held up and global financial conditions remain accommodative, Georgieva said.She said investment in artificial intelligence and data centers continues to support growth, particularly in the U.S. and parts of Asia, helping offset the impact of higher energy costs.The IMF warned that countries heavily reliant on energy imports, especially in Africa and parts of Asia, face mounting pressure from higher fuel, food, and financing costs.The fund said policymakers should maintain price stability and fiscal discipline while remaining prepared to respond to prolonged disruptions.

ASX 200^BSE^DSE^HNX^HOSEHang Seng^JKSEFTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI^KOSDAQKOSPINikkei 225Nifty 50^PSEI^SETShanghai Composite^STI^SZSETaiwan Weighted^YSX
Asia

Japanese Stocks Open Flat Ahead of BOJ Decision

Japanese shares started Tuesday's session little changed, on caution ahead of the Bank of Japan's interest rate decision.The Nikkei 225 opened marginally lower at 69,288.91.Deputy Governor Shinichi Uchida will deliver the central bank's latest rate decision and outline its future direction later today. He is stepping in for Governor Kazuo Ueda, who remains hospitalized due to a liver infection.Economists surveyed by Bloomberg widely expect the BOJ to raise interest rates to levels not seen in nearly three decades before Uchida addresses the public.

Nikkei 225
Asia

Market Chatter: Japan Mulls Mandatory EV Battery Recycling as Waste Volume Rises

Japan may require automakers to collect used electric vehicle batteries under the country's auto recycling law as EV battery waste increases, Nikkei Asia reported on Tuesday.Two ministries drafted a report last week outlining policy measures and plan to establish a working group this summer, the publication said.Currently, 14 domestic and 18 foreign automakers voluntarily participate in battery collection, but rising disposal volumes threaten this arrangement, the news daily said.The Environment Ministry estimates the number of discarded EV batteries will surge from 50,000 in fiscal 2026 to 400,000 in fiscal 2040, the report said.Mandatory collection would address fire risks from lithium-ion batteries while boosting Japan's self-sufficiency in critical metals such as lithium and cobalt, according to the report.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

Nikkei 225
Asia

Market Chatter: Japan Weighs Self-Defense Mission to Hormuz

Japan is considering deploying Self-Defense Forces (SDF) for minesweeping and escort operations in the Strait of Hormuz following the recent U.S.-Iran peace deal, Nikkei Asia reported on Monday, citing Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.While Takaichi welcomed the agreement and stressed the need for proper implementation, the news daily reported that the government is struggling to build support at home for any potential military mission in the region.Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said no decision has been made on dispatching the SDF to the Strait of Hormuz, the publication added.Due to constitutional restrictions under Article 9, Japan has long maintained that overseas troop deployment is generally not permitted, the report noted.As a result, the government now faces a domestic challenge in securing public and political support for such an operation.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

Nikkei 225
International

Sinking Oil Prices Spur Asian Stock Markets Higher

Asian stock markets rallied on Monday following statements from Tehran and Washington that Persian Gulf hostilities may soon cease, and on resultant tumbling oil prices.Brent oil futures traded down 5.2% to $82.76 a barrel during Asian trading hours.Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Tokyo finished in the green, as did most other regional exchanges.In Japan, the Nikkei 225 opened higher and rose to the close, finishing up 5% as traders waded back into tech issues.The benchmark Nikkei 225 rose 3,297.46 to 69,317.50, striking a fresh all-time high, as gaining issues outnumbered losers 171 to 51.Leading the upside was semiconductor materials maker Taiyo Yuden, up 22.6%, while CyberAgent declined 5.1%.In economic news, Japan's tertiary (services) industry index increased 1.3% in April from March, and by 2.2% on the year, reported the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index opened higher and held ground, closing up 0.5% as tech-sector gains offset declines in oil and property shares.The broad gauge Hang Seng rose 124.57 to 24,842.67 as gaining issues outnumbered losers 52 to 41. The Hang Seng TECH Index gained 1.3% on the day, but the Mainland Properties Index fell 1.9%.Leading the upside was computer maker Lenovo, gaining 9.3%, while Aluminum Corporation of China declined 8.5%.On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite rose 1.6% to 4,096.47.On the other regional exchanges, the South Korean KOSPI rose 5.2%; the Taiwan TWSE advanced 2.8%; the Australian ASX 200 gained 1.2%; the Singapore Straits Times Index rose 1%, and the Thai Set was steady. In late trading in Mumbai, the Sensex was up 1%.The MSCI All Country Asia Pacific Index rose 2.9% on the day.

Hang SengNikkei 225Shanghai Composite
International

Market Chatter: Japan Farm Incomes Seen Falling 300 Yen Billion Under Proposed Consumption Tax Cut

A think tank warned that Japan's proposed 1% consumption tax on food could cut 800,000 small farms' annual income by over 300 billion yen, Nikkei Asia reported Monday.The average loss per farm would be about 400,000 yen, with the impact varying by size, according to Mitsubishi Research Institute, said the publication.Many of these farms are currently partially or fully exempt from remitting the 8% tax they collect on sales, so a rate cut would reduce their income rather than provide relief, the news daily said.The government, which is considering implementing the reduction from April 2027, plans to offer subsidies and financial support to affected farmers, the report said.The concern is that lower incomes could accelerate the trend of farmers leaving the industry altogether, it added.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

Nikkei 225
International

Market Chatter: BOJ Poised for Largest Rate Hike in Decades as Governor Absent From Meeting

The Bank of Japan is poised to raise its key interest rate to a three-decade peak when its policy board convenes without Governor Kazuo Ueda present, Bloomberg News reported on Monday, citing its own survey.Most analysts surveyed by Bloomberg predict a quarter-point hike to 1% when the two-day gathering ends on Tuesday, the news wire said.Ueda, recently hospitalized for a liver-related infection, will submit written views to the board but will not participate in voting, the publication said.The central bank confirmed the unprecedented arrangement as policymakers move toward their highest benchmark since the mid-1990s, the report said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

Nikkei 225
International

Asia Week Ahead: Central Bank Decisions; Inflation; and Trade

The week ahead in Asia will be packed with a number of central bank decisions and macroeconomic data, with investors set to track the impact of the Middle East conflict on regional economies.The economic calendar starts quietly on Monday with services activity data from Japan, whole inflation figures from India and New Zealand's services PMI.Activity picks up Tuesday as the Reserve Bank of Australia and Bank of Japan announce policy decisions, while China releases a batch of closely watched activity indicators.Wednesday shifts the focus to trade, with Japan and Singapore due to report May figures.Thursday brings a cluster of central bank decisions from Taiwan, Indonesia and the Philippines, with New Zealand's first-quarter GDP and Thailand's trade data also on deck.Friday rounds out the week with inflation data from Japan and Malaysia, with New Zealand reporting trade numbers.Here's what to watch in the week ahead.MONDAY, June 14The week was off to a relatively light start with a handful of releases from India, New Zealand, and Japan.Japan released its tertiary industry activity index for April, a measure of change in the total value of services provided and consumed by the country's service sector.The index rose a seasonally adjusted 1.3% month on month, reversing from a 0.6% decline in the prior month and recording its first increase in three months.It also beat the Trading Economics forecast of a 0.5% increase.In New Zealand, the BusinessNZ Performance of Services Index fell to 47.5 in May from a downwardly revised 48.7 in April, marking a fourth straight month of contraction in the services sector. Trading Economics said the decline came as the Iran war weighed on business activity.India's annual wholesale price index (WPI)-based inflation rate rose to 9.68% year over year in May. The reading was higher than the consensus forecast of 9.10% tracked by Investing.com and compared with an 8.26% pace recorded in the prior month.Later Monday, India reports unemployment stats for May.TUESDAY, June 16Macro activity picks up Tuesday with central bank decisions scheduled in Australia and Japan, and a slew of monthly data from China.The Reserve Bank of Australia is expected to hold the official cash rate steady at 4.35%, according to a Trading Economics consensus.Economists at National Australia Bank said the latest decision would mark the end of the tightening cycle, with the next move likely down and now expected in the second quarter of 2027.In contrast, the Bank of Japan is forecasted to raise interest rates by 25 basis points to 1%, according to a Trading Economics consensus estimate.Bloomberg reported earlier June that the central bank was considering raising the policy rate amid high uncertainties over the Middle East conflict. Officials were expected to sift through as much data as possible until the last minute before making a final decision, though the decision to raise rates was unlikely to be unanimous, according to the report.China's industrial production and retail sales stats will also be in the news, alongside monthly unemployment and housing price data.Markets will review the figures to gauge how well the country's economy is faring amid the Middle East conflict. According to the Wall Street Journal, the data is likely to indicate overall improvement and economic resilience despite the macro headwinds.Hong Kong will report unemployment data the same day, while trade stats will be in focus in India and South Korea.In New Zealand, markets will await food inflation data which is expected to show "modest increases," according to CommBank.WEDNESDAY, June 17Focus shifts Wednesday to trade data from Singapore and Japan.Japan is expected to record a trade deficit of 564.6 billion yen in May, reversing from a 301.9 billion yen surplus a month earlier, according to a Trading Economics consensus.Wednesday will also bring the Reuters Tankan Index for June, a key gauge of Japanese business confidence, along with monthly machinery orders data.Meanwhile, Singapore's trade surplus is expected to narrow to $7 billion in May from $13.07 billion in April, according to Trading Economics. The city-state is also due to release monthly non-oil export data.A forward-looking report from Westpac capturing consumer confidence in New Zealand is also scheduled for Wednesday.THURSDAY, June 18Central banks across Taiwan, Indonesia and The Philippines will meet for interest rate decisions Thursday.Bank Indonesia will be in focus after it unexpectedly raised interest rates by 25 basis points earlier this month to support the rupiah.While some economists expect the central bank to deliver another 25 basis point hike, ING expects Bank Indonesia to hold rates steady and instead prioritize alternative measures to attract foreign capital inflows and stabilize the currency.The Philippines' central bank, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, is widely expected to raise its benchmark rate by 25 basis points to 4.75% amid persistent inflationary pressure, according to a Trading Economics consensus.Meanwhile, Taiwan's central bank is expected to hold rates steady at 2%. ING said it will be monitoring the Central Bank of the Republic of China's press conference for clues on a possible rate hike in the third quarter.Elsewhere, New Zealand will report its first quarter gross domestic product growth rate. CommBank said it expects quarterly growth to reach 0.8%, shy of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's 1% forecast.While the economy started 2026 with a decent moment, there will be "pockets of weakness" highlighting that economic recovery was a "bit patchy," CommBank said in a preview.Lastly, Thursday will feature Thailand's trade figures for May.FRIDAY, June 19The week rounds off with closely watched inflation data from Japan.According to ING, May's consumer prices could record a rise of 1.6% year on year, accelerating marginally from 1.4% in April. The subdued increase would reflect government measures, though price pressures are likely to broaden, ING said.Malaysia's headline inflation, also due the same day, is similarly expected to show a marginal rise to 2% year-on-year in May from 1.9% in April due to government fuel subsidies and stable food prices, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing DBS.Malaysia will additionally report monthly trade figures on Friday, while Macao will release monthly inflation data the same day.Trade figures from New Zealand will also feature Friday. According to a Trading Economics consensus, New Zealand's May trade surplus could narrow to NZ$875 million from NZ$1.92 billion a month earlier.South Korea's producer price inflation will also be among the highlights of the day.

ASX 200^BSEHang Seng^JKSEFTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCIKOSPINikkei 225Nifty 50^NZ50^PSEIM^SETShanghai Composite^STI^SZSETaiwan Weighted
Japan's Tertiary Industry Activity Rises in April
US Markets

Japan's Tertiary Industry Activity Rises in April

Japan's tertiary industrial activity rose for the first time in April after three months, as business performance of both enterprises and individuals became stronger.The seasonally adjusted tertiary industry activity index rose 1.3% month on month in April, according to data from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry or METI on Monday.The latest reading reversed from the previous month's revised 0.6% decline. It also beat the Trading Economics' forecast of a 0.5% rise.The monthly performance was primarily attributed to a 1.2% climb in individual services and a 1% increase in business services.Japan's services sector nearly stagnated in recent months, while the manufacturing industry continued to drive the economy despite being pressured by the Middle East conflict in the first quarter. This was reflected in the flash Japan Composite PMI Output Index, which dropped to 51.1 in May from 52.2 in April.Among tertiary industries, motor vehicle maintenance services saw the biggest growth, jumping 17.5%, while automobile retail grew 9% and machinery and equipment wholesale rose 5.8%. Only the electricity industry slipped 0.7%, according to METI.The ministry said while stagnation is observed in some sectors, there is a sign that the industry is recovering.ING predicted that semiconductors and car exports will be the main drivers for export growth in May, while imports will increase due to higher energy prices.Japan became one of the countries that was rattled by the global supply disruption brought by the war in Iran, triggering concerns among consumers and businessmen. The capital spending of domestic enterprises during the first quarter was flat at 2% year over year, compared with the 6.5% growth in the previous quarter, despite corporate sales rising 1.1% year over year and ordinary profits climbing 14.6%.Inflation in May slumped to its lowest since 2022 as consumer prices rose 1.3%, further weakening from the 1.5% growth in April. The CPI was way below the central bank's target of 2%. Meanwhile, producer inflation accelerated in May, rising 6.3% year over year, according to the Bank of Japan. The figures highlighted persistent cost pressures facing Japanese companies amid oil price hikes triggered by the war in Iran.

Nikkei 225
Asia

Nikkei 225 Hits Record High on US-Iran Peace Breakthrough

Japanese shares surged to an all-time high and closed with gains on Monday, as investors reacted to the news of a peace agreement between the US and Iran to be signed later this week.The Nikkei 225 soared 3,297.46 points, or 4.99% to 69,317.50.Donald Trump, President of the United States, declared that a ceasefire has been agreed upon with Iran, and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz will be free of tolls."The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete," Trump wrote on Truth Social. He later added that, "This Great Deal will bring Peace and Security to the whole Region", and hinted that a more comprehensive peace agreement with Iran would follow.The unblocking of the Strait of Hormuz will be a huge relief for oil-import-dependent countries in Asia, including Japan, as the war in the Middle East led to production cuts and price hikes across industries.Investors are also closely eyeing the decisions by the U.S. and Japan's central banks this week.On the home front, British and Japanese leaders are set to finalize an 18 billion pound sterling agreement expected to create "tens of thousands of new jobs" in offshore wind, infrastructure, and finance, according to a statement on Saturday.Under the deal, several Japanese companies committed 5-year investments to UK projects, including 2 billion pounds sterling by Mitsubishi Estate(TYO:3481), 3.8 billion pounds sterling by Mitsui Fudosan (TYO:8801), and 500 million pounds sterling by Nomura Real Estate (TYO:3231).On the corporate side, Iyogin (TYO:5830) has begun purchasing Japanese government bonds for the first time in 10 years, starting with small amounts of super-long debt in April, Bloomberg News reported Monday, citing CEO Kenji Miyoshi in a recent interview.

Nikkei 225TYO:3231TYO:3481TYO:5830TYO:8801
International

Japan's Tertiary Industry Index Rises 1.3% in April

Japan's tertiary industry activity index rose a seasonally adjusted 1.3% month on month in April, according to data from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) released on Monday.The latest reading was a reversal from the revised 0.6% decline in the prior month and represented the first increase in three months. It also beat the Trading Economics forecast of a 0.5% increase.The monthly performance was driven primarily by a rise in services to individuals and businesses, which rose 1.2% and 1%, respectively.While some sectors of the service industry are showing signs of stagnation, the tertiary sector as a whole is showing signs of recovery, the ministry said.

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