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Nikkei 225

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729 stories mentioning Nikkei 225Updated 7h ago

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

Asia

Supply Constraints to Mold Japan's Data Center Sector, S&P Says

Japan's data center market faces significant supply limitations, which will determine competition and growth prospects in the sector, S&P Global Ratings said in a recent release.Construction of large data centers has been time-consuming due to the required power capacity and grid networks, appropriate land, and construction resources, S&P said.The rating agency forecasts only a modest supply expansion over the next several years due to power availability and land acquisition restrictions.Current data center operator majors such as local telecoms will likely continue with their competitive edge over future players, S&P said.Investments will shape the country's data center market if near-term limitations are addressed, with sufficient financial ability and new facilities serving as key factors, the rating agency said.

Nikkei 225
Asia

Japanese Shares Pull Back from Early Losses, Close Flat as US Concludes Strikes on Iran

Japanese shares recovered from early losses to close marginally higher on Thursday after the U.S. Central Command said it had completed additional self-defense strikes against multiple Iranian targets.The Nikkei 225 closed up 0.1%, or by 38 points, to end at 64,217.27."U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces completed additional self-defense strikes against multiple targets in Iran, June 10, at the Commander in Chief's direction," CENTCOM said on social media platform X.On the domestic front, Japan has sharply increased its imports of recycled tungsten scrap from the U.S. amid Chinese export restrictions on the critical metal for automotive, electronics, and defense industries, according to a Nikkei Asia report on Thursday.On the corporate side, Anycolor's (TYO:5032) net profit climbed 22% to 14.1 billion yen in the fiscal year 2026 from 11.5 billion yen a year earlier.Meanwhile, Kakiyasu Honten's (TYO:2294) profit attributable to owners of the parent rose 16% to 811 million yen for the fiscal year ended April 30, from 701 million yen a year earlier.

Nikkei 225TYO:2294TYO:5032
Asia

Fitch Retains Neutral Outlook on Asia-Pacific Insurance Sector

Fitch Ratings has kept a neutral outlook for the Asia-Pacific insurance sector, according to a recent release.Solid capital buffers, controlled underwriting, and improved asset-liability management mitigate market headwinds, modestly increasing claim inflation, and new regulatory solvency regimes, according to Fitch.Moderately higher claim costs, along with supply chain disruption from geopolitical tensions, have reduced nonlife underwriting margins in the region, Fitch said.Increasing health and motor losses pressure profitability in Korea and Indonesia, while home and motor repair costs show stickiness in Australia, the rating agency said.Rising interest rates, a better reinsurance environment, and prior-period pricing actions offset claim inflation, but late-cycle market and credit risk linger, Fitch said.Japanese insurers face higher capital requirements through a new economic value-based solvency regulation, while Indonesian counterparts are undergoing the first phase of higher minimum equity requirements, according to Fitch.Meanwhile, lingering structural issues led to a deteriorating outlook in China and Taiwan, the rating agency said.

ASX 200^JKSE^KOSDAQKOSPINikkei 225Shanghai Composite^SZSETaiwan Weighted
Asia

Market Chatter: Japan Boosts Imports of US Recycled Tungsten Amid China Curbs

Japan has sharply increased its imports of recycled tungsten scrap from the U.S. amid Chinese export restrictions on the critical metal for automotive, electronics, and defense industries, Nikkei Asia reported on Thursday.US shipments to Japan jumped to 590,000 kilograms in the first quarter of this year, a 24-fold increase compared to all of 2025, the news agency said.Overall, US exports of recycled tungsten nearly tripled year-on-year, with most shipments going to Asian markets excluding China, the publication said.The shift comes as China, which controls 80% of the global tungsten market, has effectively halted its exports to Japan since February, 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
Asia

Japanese Stocks Fall as US Strikes on Iran Fuel Inflation Fears

Japanese stocks opened lower Thursday after the US launched fresh military strikes on Iran, raising concerns over crude oil supply disruptions and renewed inflationary pressures.The Nikkei 225 fell 850.1 points or 1.3% to open at 63,329.17.The attacks, described by US Central Command as "additional self-defense strikes," followed earlier retaliatory actions and growing US frustration over stalled negotiations, according to various media reports.Brent crude climbed to over $95.At home, Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda remains hospitalized and will miss next week's policy meeting, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday.

Nikkei 225
Asia

Market Chatter: BOJ's Ueda Hospitalized, Set to Miss June Rate Decision

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda has been hospitalized for about two weeks due to an infected hepatic cyst and will miss the upcoming June policy meeting, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday.Deputy Governor Ryozo Himino will act as chair, while another deputy, Shinichi Uchida, will handle the post-meeting press conference, the news wire said.Despite Ueda's absence, the bank is still widely expected to raise interest rates to levels not seen since 1995, the publication said.The governor plans to share his views in writing but will not vote, and he is expected to return for the July meeting, the report said, citing the BOJ's media relations division.(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 Markets

Tech Hesitation, Geopolitics Blunt Asian Stock Markets

Asian stock markets lost ground on Wednesday as tech shares wavered again, and as traders weighed fresh hostilities in the Persian Gulf.The pending release of the US consumer price index (CPI), slated for Wednesday morning in Washington, and which might influence Federal Reserve policy, also cautioned investors.Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Tokyo finished in the red, as did most other regional exchanges.In Japan, the Nikkei 225 opened lower and could not recover, finishing off 0.7%.The benchmark Nikkei 225 fell 1,237.36 to 64,179.27, as losing issues outnumbered gainers 125 to 99.Leading the upside was property company Mitsubishi Estates, up 5.2%, while semiconductor components maker Taiyo Yuden declined 12.9%.In economic news, Japan's producer price index (PPI) in May rose 0.9% from April and 6.3% on the year, pushed by energy and IT hardware costs, reported the Bank of Japan.In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index fell on new US trade sanctions and geopolitical concerns, closing down 0.6%.Market sentiment was bruised after the US Department of Defense on Tuesday expanded its blacklist of Chinese companies, including names such as e-commerce colossus Alibaba, automaker BYD, and search-engine giant Baidu, due to alleged military links.The broad gauge Hang Seng fell 157.94 to 24,407.96, although gaining issues outnumbered losers 53 to 29. The Hang Seng TECH Index lost 0.9% on the day, while the Mainland Properties Index rose 0.7%.Leading the upside was Geely Automobile, gaining 4%, while computer maker Lenovo declined 9.4%.On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite fell 0.4% to 3,993.23.In economic news, China's consumer price index rose 1.2% on the year in May, reported the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).The nation's producer price index gained 3.9% on the year in May, boosted by energy bills, according to the NBS.On the other regional exchanges, the tech-heavy South Korean KOSPI fell 4.5% while the Taiwan TWSE declined 3.3%.The Australian ASX 200 inclined 0.6%; the Singapore Straits Times Index fell 1.3%, and the Thai Set declined 1.3%. In late trading in Mumbai, the Sensex was up 0.1%.The MSCI All Country Asia Pacific Index fell 2.1% on the day.

Hang SengNikkei 225Shanghai Composite
Asia

Japan, Malaysia to Deepen Defense, Maritime Security, Energy Cooperation

Japan and Malaysia agreed to deepen cooperation in defense, maritime security, and energy supplies during Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's visit to Tokyo on Wednesday.In a joint statement published the same day, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also reiterated their nations' contribution to a free and open international order based on the rule of law.On the defense side, the two confirmed continued bilateral exercises and the acceleration of projects related to defense equipment and technology.

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCINikkei 225
Asia

Asia-Pacific NBFIs Face Controlled Refinancing Risk in 2026, Fitch Says

Asia-Pacific's emerging market nonbank financial institutions (NBFIs) should observe controlled refinancing risk this year, Fitch Ratings said.Most issuers' near-term funding profiles continue to be stable amid ample domestic liquidity, solid bank funding access, and predominantly solid shareholder or government support, Fitch said.The rating agency's view comes even as the entities face modestly higher refinancing needs and unstable offshore funding conditions due to the Iran conflict.The sector's greater dependence on short-term funding compared to other regions reflects specific business models rather than weaker refinancing ability, according to Fitch.Offshore US dollar issuance could still provide gains in 2026 amid tighter market access due to high funding costs, volatile yields, and geopolitical risks, Fitch said.Greater-than-expected tightening in domestic liquidity, resurgent upward pressure on US dollar yields, or expanding credit spreads serve as risks for the sector, the rating agency said.

ASX 200Hang SengNikkei 225Shanghai Composite^SZSE
Japan

Japanese Shares Close in Red as US Strike on Iran Dents Investor Sentiment

Japanese shares experienced choppy trade on Wednesday to close in the red after heightened tensions in the Middle East after the US' latest strikes on Iran raised concerns among investors.The Nikkei 225 closed down 1.9%, or by 1,237.36 points, to end at 64,179.27.According to news reports, the US launched new strikes on Iran after a U.S. Apache helicopter was shot down in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded to the attack by saying it will not leave any attack or threat unanswered.This has raised concerns about a potential peace deal in the Middle East. The flare-up has also pushed up crude oil prices, denting investment sentiment further.On the corporate side, Nintendo (TYO:7974) shares closed down nearly 7%, after its Nintendo Direct presentation for upcoming games fell short of investor expectations for brand-new titles, Bloomberg News reported Wednesday.Also, shares of Seven Bank (TYO:8410) closed reported 98.1 million ATM transactions in May, up 4.5% on year, according to a Wednesday filing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Nikkei 225TYO:7974TYO:8410
Asia

Market Chatter: SoftBank Group's $6 Billion OpenAI Margin Loan Talks Stall

SoftBank Group's (TYO:9984) plans to raise about $6 billion through a margin loan backed by its stake in OpenAI have stalled, weeks after the Japan-based multinational investment group reduced its fundraising target from $10 billion.Bloomberg News reported Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter, that the conglomerate is evaluating alternative financing options and may revive margin-loan talks at a later stage.During the earlier talks with potential lenders, the group secured about $5 billion in margin loan commitments, and the pause comes amid OpenAI's confidential filing for an initial public offering in the US, according to the report.Meanwhile, SoftBank's $60 billion commitment to OpenAI is under investor scrutiny amid growing competition in artificial intelligence and concerns over the future of AI business, the news outlet reported.(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 225TYO:9984
Asia

Market Chatter: Starbucks Mulling Options, Including Stake Sale and IPO, for Japan Operations

Starbucks is studying options for its Japanese operations, including a stake sale for between 400 billion yen and 500 billion yen, Bloomberg reported Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter.The U.S. coffee giant was in preliminary discussions with investment banks to study an approach for its operations in Japan, according to the news outlet.Starbucks is also considering an initial public offering for the Japan business, the report said.Starbucks Japan has 2,100 stores, most of them company-operated. The coffee chain's results in the first quarter were "outstanding," but they did not disclose complete figures, 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
Japan's Producer Prices Rise Faster Than Expected Ahead of BOJ Meeting
US Markets

Japan's Producer Prices Rise Faster Than Expected Ahead of BOJ Meeting

Japan's producer inflation accelerated in May, signaling persistent cost pressures ahead of the upcoming policy decision.The country's producer price index rose 6.3% year over year in May, according to preliminary data released by the Bank of Japan on Wednesday.The reading exceeded the consensus forecast for a 5.6% increase and accelerated from the 5.3% rise recorded in April.On a month-on-month basis, corporate goods prices increased 0.9% from April, slowing from the 2.8% growth between March and April.The stronger-than-expected reading highlighted persistent cost pressures facing Japanese companies, with higher energy and commodity prices continuing to filter through supply chains amid disruptions linked to the conflict involving Iran.The impact has been amplified by Japan's heavy reliance on imported fuel and raw materials.The data comes ahead of the Bank of Japan's June 15-16 policy meeting, where policymakers are expected to assess the inflationary effects of rising energy costs and broader global uncertainties.Investors increasingly expect the central bank to raise its short-term policy rate to 1.0% from 0.75%, a move that would lift borrowing costs to their highest level in decades.Many Bank of Japan watchers now expect two interest-rate increases this year, with the first likely to come at next week's policy meeting.A Bloomberg survey showed 49 of 51 economists expect the central bank to raise its benchmark interest rate when its policy board concludes a two-day meeting on June 16.Expectations for a rate increase have gained momentum after Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda signaled last week that policymakers were becoming more concerned about upside inflation risks."Based on the data and anecdotal information available thus far, the upside risks to prices appear to be greater overall and are likely to emerge sooner," Ueda said.The comments have fueled speculation that the central bank may place greater emphasis on combating inflation even as economic uncertainties persist."The focus of this meeting will be how far Governor Ueda goes in discussing the possibility and necessity of accelerating the pace of rate hikes, in other words, whether he will suggest a shift toward being an 'inflation fighter,'" Naomi Muguruma, chief bond strategist at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities, wrote in a survey response, according to Bloomberg News.Despite the acceleration in producer inflation, consumer price growth has remained comparatively subdued.Government measures, including fuel and energy subsidies, have helped shield households from rising costs, limiting the pass-through of higher import, commodity, and energy prices to consumers even as businesses continue to face elevated input costs.Japan's core consumer price index, which excludes fresh food, rose 1.4% year over year in April, marking the slowest pace of growth in four years as government support measures helped ease cost-of-living pressures.

Nikkei 225
Asia

Japanese Shares Open Lower on Tech Selloff, US Strike on Iran

Japanese equities fell at the start of trading on Wednesday, pressured by renewed selling in technology stocks and heightened geopolitical unrest following a U.S. military action against Iran.The Nikkei 225 dropped 464.3 points, or 0.7%, to settle at 64,952.38.The U.S. launched new strikes on Iran after a U.S. Apache helicopter was shot down in the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns on a potential peace deal.Investors are also focused on the upcoming U.S. inflation report later in the day, while strong American jobs figures from last week have reinforced expectations that the U.S. Federal Reserve may need to hike interest rates.At home, economists anticipate the Bank of Japan to increase interest rate at least twice this year, with the first potentially arriving as soon as next week.A Bloomberg News survey found that 49 out of 51 economists expect the BOJ to raise its benchmark rate by a quarter point to 1% at the conclusion of its June 16 meeting, a level not seen since 1995.

Nikkei 225
Equities

Market Chatter: Malaysia to Vow Maximum LNG, Naphtha Supplies to Japan

Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is expected to commit to providing Japan with the largest feasible volumes of liquefied natural gas and naphtha at a summit on Wednesday, Nikkei Asia reported the same day.Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and her Malaysian counterpart plan to issue a joint statement containing this pledge, as Japan seeks to reduce its reliance on Middle Eastern oil following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the news daily said.Malaysia currently supplies about 15% of Japan's LNG, making it the second-largest source after Australia, which accounts for roughly 40%, the publication said.The Malaysian commitment follows Takaichi's visit to Australia last month, where she worked to expand LNG's share in Japan's energy imports, the report said.The two leaders will also discuss urea supplies, a key raw material for medical gloves and chemical fertilizers, and are expected to reaffirm the importance of Tokyo-led POWERR Asia energy cooperation framework, 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.)

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCINikkei 225
International

Japan's Factory-Gate Inflation Accelerates to 6.3% in May

Japan's producer price index (PPI) rose 6.3% year over year in May, according to preliminary data released by the Bank of Japan on Wednesday.The reading was higher than the consensus forecast of a 5.6% increase and compared with a 5.3% rise in the previous month.On a month-on-month basis, corporate goods prices increased 0.9% from April, decelerating from the 2.8% growth between March and April.

Nikkei 225
International

Tech Revival Lifts Asian Stock Markets

Asian stock markets gyrated higher Tuesday on overnight Wall Street cues, as traders sought tech-sector values after recent bear moves.Shanghai and Tokyo finished in the green, although Hong Kong edged lower. Other regional exchanges largely gained ground.Seoul's KOSPI Index rebounded upwards by 8.2%, after an 8.3% divot on Monday, as semiconductor-giants SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics led gainers.In Japan, the Nikkei 225 opened higher and rose to the close, finishing up 2.2% as investors waded back into AI-related shares after three trading days of decline in semiconductor-exposed shares.The benchmark Nikkei 225 rose 1,392.03 to 65,416.63, as gaining issues outnumbered losers 125 to 98.Leading the upside was semiconductor-components supplier Taiyo Yuden, up 20%, while materials-house Mitsui Kinzoku declined 4.6%.In economic news, Japan's machine tool orders in May rose 37.4% on year, reported the Japan Machine Tool Builders Association.In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index opened lower, waffled, but closed down 0.4% as declines in finance and retail shares offset firming in tech and property issues.The broad gauge Hang Seng fell 91.16 to 24,565.90, as losing issues outnumbered gainers 62 to 27. The Hang Seng TECH Index gained 0.3% on the day, while the Mainland Properties Index rose 0.1%.Leading the upside was natural-gas supplier ENN, gaining 3.5%, while shipping line Orient Overseas declined 5.2%.On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite rose 1.3% to 4,010.03.In economic news, mainland China's exports rose 19.4% on year in May, and imports increased by 27.4%, largely driven by AI and tech-hardware demand, reported the Customs Administration.On the other regional exchanges, the Taiwan TWSE inclined 2.8%; the Australian ASX 200 declined 0.2%; the Singapore Straits Times Index rose 1.2%, and the Thai Set inclined 1.4%. In late trading in Mumbai, the Sensex was up 0.5%.The MSCI All Country Asia Pacific Index rose 2.5% on the day.

Hang SengNikkei 225Shanghai Composite
International

Market Chatter: BOJ Set to Raise Key Rate to 1.0% and Pause Bond Purchase Cuts

The Bank of Japan is expected to increase its benchmark interest rate to 1.0% during its June 15-16 policy meeting, driven by rising inflation risks, Nikkei Asia reported on Tuesday.Governor Kazuo Ueda and other executives will formally propose the hike, which will likely receive majority support from the nine board members, the news agency said.Additionally, the central bank is considering halting the reduction of its government bond buying program starting in April 2027, a measure also expected to pass, the publication 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
Japan's Machine Tool Orders Extend Growth Streak in May
US Markets

Japan's Machine Tool Orders Extend Growth Streak in May

Japan's machine tool orders continued to grow strongly in May, supported by robust demand from both overseas and domestic customers.Japan's machine tool orders rose 37.4% year over year to 176.8 billion yen, according to data released Tuesday by the Japan Machine Tool Builders' Association.The increase followed a 45.1% rise in April and was slightly stronger than the 37% growth expected by economists surveyed by Trading Economics.Foreign orders climbed 37.7% from a year earlier to 131.8 billion yen, while domestic demand increased 36.4% to 45 billion yen.The strong growth in orders comes as Japanese machine tool makers expand their U.S. operations to capture expected demand from the Trump administration's push to revive domestic manufacturing, Nikkei reported.Japan and Germany are leading suppliers to U.S. manufacturers in sectors such as aerospace and medical equipment, where precision machining is critical.The U.S. imports about 900 billion yen of machine tools annually, with Japan providing nearly 30% of the total, the largest share among foreign suppliers.According to Nikkei, Okuma invested about 4 billion yen in a new repair center in North Carolina that is scheduled to begin operations in June.DMG Mori also plans to triple U.S. output in 2026 from 2024 levels and has shifted production of some machining centers and lathes from Japan to its Davis, California, facility, while continuing to manufacture more advanced equipment in Japan and Germany for export.Machine tools were among the products affected by U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum imports in 2025, while additional sector-specific duties remain under consideration.Although the U.S. Supreme Court later ruled that the "reciprocal" tariffs on machine tools were unconstitutional, President Donald Trump has indicated that his administration intends to pursue tariffs through alternative measures.The industry is also keeping a close watch on supplies of thinners and cutting oils, key materials used in the production of products ranging from semiconductors and automobiles to aircraft.Shigetomo Sakamoto, president of Shibaura Machine and chairman of the Japan Machine Tool Builders' Association, said a prolonged conflict in the Middle East and any effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz could eventually disrupt supplies.While inventories remain adequate for now, "we are closely monitoring the situation," Sakamoto said.Multiple Japanese petrochemical companies have announced production cuts in recent days amid fears that the conflict in the Middle East could tighten supplies of naphtha, a key feedstock used to manufacture plastics and a wide range of industrial products.The production curbs have raised concerns about broader impacts on industries ranging from consumer goods and construction materials to electronics and technology."Markets are not really thinking through the cascading implications of no naphtha supply," Mateen Chaudhry, founder and managing director of corporate advisory firm BCMG, was quoted as saying by Bloomberg News."It might be the canary in the coal mine, and unfortunately Japan is very exposed," he added.Sakamoto said the industry group would work closely with Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry to monitor supply conditions and ensure any shortages do not become a bottleneck for manufacturing activity.

Nikkei 225
Asia

Japanese Shares Rebound as Investor Interest in Tech Stocks Recovers

Japanese shares rebound on Tuesday to close higher driven by the renewed interest in AI and semiconductor related shares coupled, and the hope of a resolution to the Middle East crisis.The Nikkei 225 climbed 2.2%, or by 1,392.03 points, to end at 65,416.63.Movement in the domestic market tracked Wall Street's overnight gains that were driven by the recovery made by chipmakers after Friday's selloff.Investors were enthused as the rise in global oil prices eased after Israel and Iran said they would halt attacks on each other for now.On the domestic front, Japanese investors sold 2.72 trillion yen worth of foreign stocks net in May, which is seen as the fastest pace of sell off in about five years amid the Middle East conflict and questions over a tech-driven market rally.Also, Japan's machine tool orders increased 37.4% year over year in May to 176.8 billion yen, easing from the 45.1% expansion in April, according to preliminary data from the Japan Machine Tool Builders' Association released Tuesday.Among companies, Smaregi (TYO:4431) declared a final dividend of 24 yen per share for the fiscal year ended April 30, up from 15 yen per share a year earlier, according to a Monday filing with the Tokyo Stock Exchange.Also, Panasonic (TYO:6752) aims to nearly triple AI infrastructure sales to almost 1.4 trillion yen by the fiscal year ending March 2029, driven by enhanced products and increased production. It aims to invest 500 billion yen to improve its devices and systems, as well as expand production, according to an investor presentation on Monday.

Nikkei 225TYO:4431TYO:6752

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