Nikkei 225

Nikkei 225TYO:7011TYO:7013

Market Chatter: Japan Policy Shift on Arms Exports to Drive Capacity Push

Japan has relaxed restrictions on defense equipment exports, paving the way for overseas sales and prompting companies, including IHI (TYO:7013) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (TYO:7011), to expand capacity, Nikkei reported Tuesday.The changes, cleared by the cabinet of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, remove limits that confined shipments to noncombat roles, according to the report.Manufacturers are stepping up investment as global demand rises, particularly for missiles and air defense systems. Japanese companies are also seeking to fill supply gaps faced by the U.S. and other producers amid heightened geopolitical tensions, the report said.The shift signals stronger growth prospects for the sector, though constraints around labor, supply chains and limited combat track records remain, 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.)

Asia54d ago

Japanese Stocks Open Lower as Investors Weigh Iran Risks After Ceasefire Extension

Japanese stocks edged lower at Wednesday's open as investors balanced cautious optimism with renewed anxieties about the Middle East.The Nikkei fell 245.1 points, or 0.4%, to open at 59,104.11.U.S. President Donald Trump extended the Iran ceasefire indefinitely a day before its expiration despite collapsed talks, saying the U.S. would refrain from new strikes but keep its blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, various reports said.At home, Japan's trade surplus widened to nearly 667 billion yen in March from 529.8 billion yen a year earlier, driven by a jump in exports to its two largest trading partners - the U.S. and China.Meanwhile, exports to the Middle East plunged 45.9% and imports from the region fell 10.7%, as the Iran war effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for Japan's oil imports.

Japan's Trade Surplus Expands in March as Exports to China, US Jump

Japan's trade surplus expanded to nearly 667 billion yen in March from 529.8 billion yen a year earlier as exports outpaced imports, data from the Ministry of Finance on Wednesday showed.Exports during the month climbed 11.7% to 11.003 trillion yen from 9.852 trillion yen, after shipments to its two largest trading partners, China and the US, rose 17.7% and 3.4%, respectively.This March export reading is triple that of the export growth of 4% the month prior.Exports to the Middle East plunged 45.9% while imports fell 10.7%, as the Iran war effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for Japan's oil imports from the region.Overall imports, meanwhile, grew 10.9% on year to 10.336 trillion yen from 9.322 trillion yen, boosted mostly by imports from Asian nations.

Market Chatter: BOJ Likely to Delay Rate Hike to June Amid Iran War Shocks, Survey Shows

The Bank of Japan is anticipated to maintain its policy rate at 0.75% when its two-day meeting concludes on April 28, Bloomberg News reported Wednesday, citing its recent poll.Approximately 80% of 51 economists polled expect the policy rate to be kept, and the remainder forecast an immediate hike, down from 37% in early March, as the Middle East conflict drives up energy costs for import-dependent Japan, the poll showed.The poll also showed that 57% of surveyed economists now predict the next rate hike will occur in June, and people familiar with the situation have indicated that authorities are inclined to hold the benchmark rate steady on April 28, the news wire said.Governor Kazuo Ueda said last week the April decision is difficult as the BOJ must balance inflation risks, though roughly three-quarters of economists surveyed believe upside risks currently dominate.As the yen hovers near the 160 intervention level, analysts expect hawkish language with any hold, despite the year-end rate forecast rising to 1.25% from 1%.(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.)

Asia54d ago

Market Chatter: Japan, Mexico Agree to Boost Energy and Trade Cooperation Amid Iran War

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum pledged to strengthen energy cooperation amid global oil and gas disruptions caused by the Iran war over a phone call on Tuesday, Reuters reported on the same day.Takaichi proposed creating a new dialogue framework with Mexico that encompasses economic security, Mexico's abundant mineral resources, the publication said.The premier also requested Mexico's support in fostering a favorable environment for Japanese businesses operating there, the news wire said.The two leaders also concurred on deepening trade ties, the report said, citing Japan's foreign ministry.President Sheinbaum described the conversation as "very productive" on X, emphasizing the importance of enhancing bilateral relations in investment, trade and cooperation, 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.)

Bank of Japan Flags Middle East Risks to Financial System, Corporate Cash Flow, Non-Bank Lenders

The Bank of Japan assesses that the nation's financial system remains broadly stable, but it must remain vigilant due to heightened geopolitical risks, particularly the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, according to the central bank's latest financial system report released Tuesday.The surge in crude oil prices following the escalation in the Middle East could elevate companies' commodity procurement costs and disrupt supply chains, increasing the risk of corporate defaults, the BOJ said.Such developments necessitate close attention to the possibility that prolonged tensions could adversely impact firms' financial positions and their cash-flow management, according to the report.Regarding lending exposure, Japanese banks have sufficient capital and stable funding bases, but their real estate-related lending has grown faster than overall loans, warranting careful monitoring, the report said.In overseas lending, banks have increased their exposure to foreign investment funds (including private equity and private credit funds) and data centers, which carry unique risk characteristics, the central bank said.While loans to these foreign funds and data centers currently maintain favorable credit ratings, their creditworthiness could change significantly due to shifts in asset valuations or technological innovations, according to the report.The report highlights growing concerns about non-bank financial intermediaries (NBFIs), including hedge funds, whose high-leverage activities in global bond markets could transmit stress to Japan's financial system.Foreign hedge funds have increased their presence in Japan's government bond market using repos and derivatives, and a sudden unwinding of their positions could reduce market liquidity.Additionally, the report flags risks from private credit funds, where recent investor redemptions have occurred, and notes that the relaxation of lending terms (such as payment-in-kind loans) may be delaying the recognition of credit defaults.

Hang SengNikkei 225Shanghai Composite

International55d ago

Easing Crude Oil Prices Lift Asian Stock Markets

Asian stock markets gained ground on Wednesday, as traders noted easing global crude prices and weighed prospects for US-Iran peace negotiations.Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Tokyo finished in the green, as did most other regional exchanges.Brent crude traded for $94.68 during trading hours, off 0.8% on the day.In Japan, the Nikkei 225 opened higher and held ground, finishing up 0.9% as bank and tech issues advanced on earnings results and outlooks.The benchmark Nikkei 225 rose 524.28 points to 59,349.17, marking the fourth straight trading day in the green, although losing issues outnumbered gainers 144 to 79.Leading the upside was tech goods manufacturer Ibiden, up 10.3%, while software tester Shift declined 6.3%.In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index closed up 0.4% on easing oil prices.The broad-gauge Hang Seng rose 126.41 points to 26,487.48 as gainers outnumbered losers 59 to 30. The Hang Seng TECH Index lost 0.1% on the day, while the Mainland Properties Index rose 1.3%.Leading the upside was Contemporary Amperex Technology, gaining 4.8%, while smartphone components maker Sunny Optical Technology declined 2.4%.On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite rose 0.1% to 4,085.08.On the other regional exchanges, the South Korean KOSPI rose 2.7%; the Taiwan TWSE gained 1.8%; the Australian ASX 200 was steady; the Singapore Straits Times Index rose 0.2%, and the Thai Set advanced 0.1%. In late trading in Mumbai, the Sensex was up 1%The MSCI All Country Asia Pacific Index rose 0.7% on the day.

ASX 200Hang SengNikkei 225Shanghai Composite^SZSEASX:NUFBOM:512070NSE:UPL

Asia-Pacific Agrochemical Issuers Have Buffers for Middle East War Risks, Fitch Says

Asia-Pacific agrochemical issuers are capable of cushioning against increased freight, fuel, and input costs due to the Middle East conflict, preventing near-term rating pressure, Fitch Ratings said in a recent release.Nufarm (ASX:NUF), UPL (NSE:UPL, BOM:512070), and Syngenta Group have narrow direct vulnerabilities from the region, differentiated sourcing, and ample inventory serving as buffers for the first-round impact on earnings, Fitch said.Fitch expects supply chain disruption to not be impactful enough on the issuers' credit profiles in the near term, especially with operating flexibility and geographic diversification.Issuers' credit strength will also gain support from their business mix, although this would be uneven across products, with seeds the most staunch due to their key role in crop planning and fertilizers being more exposed amid a growing share of farmers' costs.The impact of crop protection lies between the other two products since its demand is less inelastic than food demand, Fitch said.The rating agency still sees dampened near-term profitability due to a gradual and initially incomplete cost pass-through.

Nikkei 225TYO:268ATYO:3498TYO:7201

Nikkei Gains as Japan Opens Door to Arms Exports

Japanese shares ended higher Tuesday after Japan eased decades-old defence export curbs to allow overseas sales of warships, missiles and other weapons, bolstering sentiment around the domestic defence sector.The Nikkei 225 rose 0.9%, or 524.28 points, to close at 59,349.17.Conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East are stretching U.S. weapons output, opening room for Japan as allies seek alternative suppliers amid uncertainty over Donald Trump's security stance.Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said closer defense cooperation is needed, as Tokyo scrapped five export categories that had limited overseas sales. Each deal will now be reviewed individually, while core rules on screening, third-party transfers and sales to conflict zones remain, with exceptions possible for national security.On the corporate front, Kasumigaseki Capital (TYO:3498) rose 5% after the company said a Sanriku offshore earthquake caused no damage to assets or operations and had no earnings impact.Rigaku (TYO:268A) surged 22% after agreeing to a capital and business alliance with Onto Innovation, which will acquire a 27% stake to become its largest shareholder.Nissan Motor (TYO:7201) fell 2% despite progress on solid-state EV batteries and outlined plans for AI-driven vehicles and energy solutions.

Market Chatter: Japan's Solar Share in Power Output Doubles in Decade as Fossil Use Eases

Solar power made up 10% of Japan's electricity generation last year, overtaking the global average of 9%, Bloomberg News reported Tuesday.The share has roughly doubled over the past decade, reflecting steady expansion of renewable capacity. Even so, fossil fuels still supply close to 70% of Japan's power, though rising renewables and a return of nuclear output are gradually reducing reliance on imported fuels, according to the report.Liquefied natural gas demand has declined in recent years, with shipments dropping about 16% between 2018 and 2025 based on ship-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg.Japan's greenhouse gas emissions also edged lower, falling 2.8% in 2024, according to data from the European Commission. However, analysts say the country's goal to cut emissions 60% by 2035 from 2013 levels remains insufficient to put it on a path to net zero by 2050, 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.)

Market Chatter: Japan Wholesalers Form Data Alliance to Tackle Delivery Strain

A group of nine major Japanese wholesalers is building a shared logistics network to improve delivery efficiency, responding to a tightening driver pool and rising transport costs, Nikkei reported Tuesday.The partnership spans consumer goods, food, pharmaceuticals and publishing distributors, including Kao Group Customer Marketing, Mitsubishi Shokuhin (TYO:7451) and Mediceo, among others. It marks a rare alignment across sectors that typically run separate delivery systems, according to the report.Instead of operating in silos, the companies will combine shipment data and coordinate routes through a common optimization system. The approach allows trucks to carry mixed loads across categories and fill unused capacity during different times of day, reducing empty runs, the report said.Early trials between Kao and Mitsubishi Shokuhin indicated sizable gains, cutting truck demand and improving route efficiency. A broader rollout later this year aims to raise overall vehicle utilization by around 16%, 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 225TYO:7451

Market Chatter: Japan Sets 1 Trillion Yen Recycling Push to Secure Critical Minerals

Japan is preparing a 1 trillion yen program to expand recycling of critical minerals and plastics, aiming to reduce reliance on imports and steady supply chains, Nikkei reported Tuesday.The plan combines subsidies with financing from the Japan Green Investment Corp. for Carbon Neutrality and potential green transformation bonds, alongside investment in AI-driven sorting to improve efficiency, according to the report.By 2030, the government wants recycled sources to account for 40% of aluminum supply and 30% of materials used in permanent magnets. It also targets capacity to convert about 2 million metric tons of iron scrap each year into high-grade steel, the report said.Rules will be phased in through fiscal 2028 to require higher use of recycled plastics in products such as bottles, according to the report.Japan also plans to deepen links with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, importing e-waste like circuit boards for processing at home, while supporting regulatory frameworks in the region and tightening approvals for exports that risk pollution, 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.)

Market Chatter: Japan to Back Biofuel Pilot in Mozambique, Ghana with 4 Billion Yen Funding

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry will provide 4 billion yen or $25.2 million in subsidies to support a large-scale marine biofuel pilot initiative in Mozambique and Ghana, according to a Nikkei report on Tuesday.The funding is aimed at covering startup costs until the project becomes profitable, with the dual objective of diversifying energy sources while aiding the environment and local farmers, the publication said.The initiative, led by Tokyo-based Nippon Biofuel, will cultivate jatropha. This hardy plant grows in poor soil and produces oil-rich seeds without straining food supplies, unlike corn or other biofuel crops, the news daily said.Fuel production facilities will be built in both countries, where local workers will be employed to handle all stages from cultivation to manufacturing, the report said.The resulting biofuel is expected to power domestic Japanese cargo vessels, Africa-bound freight ships, and commercial boats based in Singapore, offering a solution to multiple challenges, 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.)

Japanese Stocks Edge Up at Open on Hopes for US-Iran Talks Ahead of Ceasefire Deadline

Japanese shares gained on Tuesday's opening as indications that Iran might engage in discussions with the U.S. fueled slight optimism over progress in the Middle East, with a ceasefire deadline approaching.The Nikkei 225 rose by 206.6 points, or 0.4%, to begin trading at 59,031.51.U.S. President Donald Trump said he is unlikely to extend the truce with Iran unless an agreement is reached before its expiration on Wednesday evening, Washington time, according to various reports.Meanwhile, according to unnamed sources familiar with the matter, Iran is preparing to send a delegation to the upcoming round of talks, Bloomberg News reported on Tuesday.Market focus is now turning to whether the U.S. and Iran can resume negotiations in Pakistan to ease tensions and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, following an initial round in Islamabad that ended without a deal, the reports said.

US Markets56d ago

Japan's Service Sector Mixed in February

Japan's services sector shrank slightly on a seasonally adjusted basis in February from January, but still grew on year, reported the Ministry of Economy, Trade & Industry on Monday.Japan's service sector index declined by 0.2% in February from January, but still expanded by 1.9% on year, reported METI.The sub-category of broad-ranging personal services declined by 0.3% on month in February, but grew by 1% on year, added the agency.Meanwhile, the sub-category of broad-ranging business services grew by 0.1% on month in February, and expanded by 2.6% on year, said METI.Japan's financial services industries have been especially strong, growing in February by 12.2% on year, according to official figures.In contrast, the retail trade sector declined by 0.8% on year in February, pulled down by slow auto sales, reported METI.The February report from METI was somewhat more tempered than recent service-sector reports from S&P Global.Japan's headline service-sector purchasing managers index (PMI) logged at 53.4 in March, down from 53.8 in February, but still struck above the 50-mark that separates growth from contraction, recently reported S&P Global.

Hang SengNikkei 225Shanghai Composite

International56d ago

Geopolitics, Beijing Regulatory Changes Lift Asian Stock Markets

Asian stock markets tracked north on Monday, as traders weighed pending Tehran-Washington negotiations regarding the Persian Gulf, and revamped securities-industry rules issued late Friday in Beijing.Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo finished in green, as did most other regional exchanges.In Japan, the Nikkei 225 opened higher and held ground, finishing up 0.6% as traders mulled the outlook for US and Iranian negotiations this week in Pakistan.The benchmark Nikkei 225 rose 348.99 to 58,824.89, as gaining issues outnumbered losers 123 to 98.Leading the upside was Renesas Electronics, up 6.4%, while Sumitomo Pharma declined 5.9%.In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index opened evenly and gained in trading, closing up 0.8% on investor acceptance of securities-industry rules changes in China.The broad gauge Hang Seng rose 200.74 to 26,361.07 as gaining issues outnumbered losers 61 to 28. The Hang Seng TECH Index gained 0.5% on the day, while the Mainland Properties Index rose 0.3%.Leading the upside was Xinyi Solar, gaining 6.2%, while PetroChina declined 3.3%.On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite rose 0.8% to 4,082.13.In industry news, the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) and other authorities late Friday announced changes to regulations to strengthen market supervision and attract long-term investment.In general, the new rules ease investment by "strategic investors," or institutional money, into Chinese public companies, particularly into the powerful, voting "A-share" class, but also tighten rules on the illegal selling of shares, and the practice of "auditor shopping" for accounting services.On the other regional exchanges, the S. Korean KOSPI rose 0.4%; the Taiwan TWSE inclined 0.4%; the Australian ASX 200 inclined 0.1%; the Singapore Straits Times Index rose 0.1%, and the Thai Set was steady. In late trading in Mumbai, the Sensex was down 0.1%The MSCI All Country Asia Pacific Index rose 0.3% on the day.

International56d ago

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

The week ahead in Asia is packed with releases covering trade, inflation, and central bank updates which could offer markets fresh clues on how the region is navigating the conflict in the Middle East.Monday begins with trade data from New Zealand and Malaysia, as well as the release of China's loan prime rates.Attention then turns Tuesday to New Zealand's first-quarter inflation report, followed by Bank Indonesia's interest rate decision and Japan's March trade figures on Wednesday.Thursday brings another key central bank decision from the Philippines, as well as first-quarter GDP data from South Korea. Flash PMI reports from India, Japan and Australia will also be closely watched.Friday rounds off the week with Japan's March inflation data, as well as Thailand's trade report.Here's what to watch in the week ahead.MONDAY, April 20The week kicked off with the release of trade data from New Zealand and Malaysia.New Zealand recorded a goods trade surplus of NZ$698 million in March, compared with a deficit of NZ$364.7 million in February.Goods exports rose 7.3% to NZ$7.94 billion, while imports rose 9.6% to NZ$7.25 billion.Malaysia's total trade in goods rose 9.3% annually to 273 billion ringgit in March, driven by growth in both exports and imports.Exports increased 8.3% year on year to 148.8 billion ringgit, while imports rose 10.4% to 124.2 billion ringgit.China kept its loan prime rate or LPR, which is the benchmark for new loans, unchanged after posting a better-than-expected economy amid the Middle East conflict.The People's Bank of China held the one-year LPR at 3% and the LPR of five years or more at 3.5%.Economists at ING said the central bank may keep the rates on hold until conditions warrant monetary policy support. The People's Bank of China has maintained the one-year and five-year LPR since May 2025.TUESDAY, April 21New Zealand is due to report its first quarter inflation data.The country's consumer price index is anticipated to rise by 0.8% quarter on quarter and 2.9% year on year, BofA Securities estimated, slightly below the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's revised April forecast of 3%.Headline inflation is driven by soaring fuel prices in March due to the Middle East conflict, with petrol prices surging nearly 19% and diesel by nearly 43% month on month, according to the firm's research.Taiwan will release its export orders data. According to ING, the city state could see a rebound in orders to around 48.1% year on year from 23.8% previously.WEDNESDAY, April 22Indonesia's central bank will meet for its interest rate decision.ING said it expects Bank Indonesia to keep its policy rate at 4.75% despite inflation running above the central bank's 2.5% target. At 3.5%, inflation is still well below the roughly 5% peak in 2022 that triggered aggressive rate hikes, and with growth softening, the central bank is likely to remain on hold, according to ING.Japan's March trade figures will also be in the news. ING said it expects strong Japanese export growth in March thanks to demand for semiconductors and IT products, pushing the country's trade surplus to 1 trillion yen from 44.3 billion yen in the month prior.Elsewhere, South Korea reports producer price inflation data for March.THURSDAY, April 23Another interest rate decision, this time in the Philippines.The island nation's economy is one of the most susceptible to oil shocks in the region, and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas' upcoming decision is "likely to be close" amid the current geopolitical situation in the Middle East, ING said in a preview.Still, the firm said its base case is for the central bank to maintain rates at 4.25%.South Korea's advance estimates for GDP growth for the first quarter will also capture headlines.Most analysts expect a rebound in growth after the economy contracted in the previous quarter, the Wall Street Journal reported.Barclays economist Bumki Son said the economy is likely to show a growth of 1.2% on a quarterly basis and 3% on a yearly basis thanks to stronger exports and a recovery in private consumption and facility investment, the WSJ reported.A consumer confidence report is also due in South Korea.Hong Kong and Singapore will announce Inflation data for March.Singapore's March print will capture the initial impact of the energy shock from the Middle East conflict, the WSJ reported, citing DBS economists. According to Trading Economics, the rate of price increase could quick to 1.5% year on year from the 1.2% witnessed in February.In Hong Kong, Trading Economics expects inflation to rise marginally to 1.8% on the year from the 1.7% recorded in February.Hong Kong will also release unemployment data the same day.A number of macro releases are expected in Taiwan, covering March retail sales, industrial production, and unemployment.Similar to its export orders, ING said it expects Taiwan's industrial production to rebound to 25.7% year on year from the 17.8% growth recorded in the month prior.On the activity front, S&P Global releases its flash PMI reports covering manufacturing, services, and composite activity in India, Japan, and Australia.FRIDAY, April 24Markets will await March inflation data from Japan.Core inflation, which excludes fresh food but includes energy, is expected to cool to a rate of 1.8% year on year from the 2% witnessed in February, according to a consensus compiled by Trading Economics.According to ING, efforts by Japan's government to stabilize gasoline prices should keep both headline and core inflation rates below 2%.March inflation data will also be due in Macao, which also reports unemployment rate the same day.Trading Economics estimates that March inflation could clock in at 1.2% year on year, modestly higher than the 1.16% witnessed in February.Unemployment, meanwhile, is expected to rise to 1.8% from 1.7% in the month prior, Trading Economics estimated.In Thailand, trade figures for March will be due.Trading Economics expects the country the post a trade deficit of $2 billion for the month, a reversal from the $2 billion surplus in February.A pair of reports covering business and consumer confidence in the first quarter will be due in the Philippines.A business confidence report covering the second quarter will similarly be made available in Hong Kong.

ASX 200Hang Seng^JKSEFTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCIKOSPINikkei 225^NZ50^PSEI^SETShanghai Composite^STI^SZSETaiwan Weighted

Asia56d ago

Nikkei Advances as Fiscal Outlook Calms Rate Fears

Japanese stocks closed higher on Monday, supported by policy signals after an opposition party leader called for a medium-term fiscal roadmap to restore surplus by around 2030, easing concerns over rising interest rates.The Nikkei 225 rose 0.6%, or 348.99 points, to close at 58,824.89.Yuichiro Tamaki said Japan should outline a credible five-year path to return to a primary surplus by around 2030, while accepting near-term deficits.He also said monetary policy should move gradually toward normalization, with rate hikes calibrated carefully given risks from the Iran conflict.Markets have pared expectations for an April rate increase by the Bank of Japan amid uncertainty over the Middle East situation. The government has tapped oil reserves and is seeking alternative supply sources, though public concern over the economic impact remains high.In economic news, Japan's tertiary activity index fell 0.4% in February as weakness in retail and utilities offset gains in finance.Japanese household sentiment improved slightly in March but remained negative, with inflation expectations staying elevated, a Bank of Japan survey showed.On the corporate front, Komehyo Holdings (TYO:2780) fell 1% after reporting a 43% jump in March sales. Cyfuse Biomedical (TYO:4892) rose 12% after a report said it will begin human trials of a 3D-printed knee regeneration therapy.IwaiCosmo (TYO:8707) slipped 2% despite a 55% rise in full-year profit and record earnings.

Nikkei 225TYO:2780TYO:4892TYO:8707

International56d ago

Japan Consumer Mood Edges Up, Price Pressures Stay Elevated

Japanese household sentiment improved modestly in March but remained negative, while inflation perceptions stayed elevated, according to a survey by the Bank of Japan released Monday.The diffusion index for current economic conditions rose to minus 45.5 from minus 50.4 in December 2025, as fewer respondents said conditions had worsened. The outlook index for the year ahead was little changed at minus 18.5.Views on household finances also improved slightly, though more than half of respondents still said their situation had deteriorated from a year earlier.Price perceptions remained high, with about 95% of households saying prices had risen over the past year. Looking ahead, more than 80% expect prices to increase over the next 12 months, with a majority anticipating moderate gains.Public awareness of the BOJ's 2% inflation target remained limited, with nearly half of respondents saying they had never heard of it. Confidence in the central bank improved, with those expressing confidence or some confidence rising to over 50%.