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International

Japan Services Activity Slips 0.4% in February

Japan's tertiary industry activity index fell 0.4% month over month to 106.3 in February, as declines in retail, wholesale and utilities offset gains in finance, government data showed Monday.Retail trade dropped 2.7% and wholesale trade fell 2.4%, while electricity, gas and water supply declined 5.3%, weighing on overall activity.Finance and insurance rose 3.1%, providing the largest positive contribution, while information and communications and leisure-related services also posted modest gains.On a year-over-year basis, the index rose 1.9%, supported by continued strength in finance and business services.

Nikkei 225
Asia

Market Chatter: Rate Gap, Policy Doubts Could Weigh on Yen, Says ADB President

The yen could face renewed pressure if markets see the Bank of Japan as slow to address inflation risks, Reuters reported Satuday, citing Asian Development Bank President Masato Kanda.Kanda pointed to the wide interest rate gap with the U.S. as a key driver, with investors focused on potential moves by the Federal Reserve. If the BOJ is seen as lagging, the yen may continue to underperform, the report said.Kanda also warned that concerns over Japan's fiscal sustainability could prompt further selling of the currency, according to the report.He said fuel subsidies should be temporary and targeted, urging governments to focus more on energy investment and diversification instead, the report said.The yen remains near levels that have previously prompted intervention despite some recent dollar weakness, 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 Aluminum Shortage Threatens Auto Output

Japan's dependence on Middle Eastern aluminum is disrupting production as the Iran conflict curbs shipments and lifts prices about 13%, Bloomberg News reported Monday.Auto and parts makers, including Toyota Motor (TYO:7203) and Denso (TYO:6902), are exposed, with about 70% of imports sourced from the region. Denso cut output by roughly 20,000 units in March, according to the report.Kato Light Metal said it has inventory through May and will shift to Southeast Asian suppliers as Middle East deliveries halt, the report said.Japan imported about 30% of its aluminum from the region in 2025, leaving it among the most vulnerable to shortages. Damage to refineries and shipping bottlenecks could keep supply tight for months, with broader disruptions likely as inventories run low, 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:6902TYO:7203
Asia

Japanese Stocks Open Slightly Higher As Strait of Hormuz Standoff Continues

Japanese shares opened slightly higher on Monday, buoyed by a relief rally fueled by hopes of easing tensions in the Middle East.The Nikkei 225 added 345.3 points, or 0.6%, to begin the day at 58,821.16.The global crude benchmark, Brent, surged to about $96 per barrel as fresh concerns set in following an escalation in U.S.-Iran hostilities over the weekend, coupled with an ongoing deadlock in the Strait of Hormuz.Iran has indicated it may sit out a second round of talks scheduled for this week, according to various media reports.Separately, U.S. President Donald Trump reported that the U.S. Navy fired on and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel in the Gulf of Oman after it ignored orders to halt while departing the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first major confrontation since the blockade began a week ago.

Nikkei 225
International

Profit-Taking, Geopolitics Dent Asian Stock Markets

Asian stock markets wobbled lower Friday as traders assessed values after recent rallies, and weighed uncertain prospects for global oil prices and the Persian Gulf conflict.Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo finished in the red, as did most other regional exchanges.In Japan, the Nikkei 225 opened lower and closed down 1.8% as traders booked profits after the index struck all-time highs on Thursday.The benchmark Nikkei 225 fell 1042.44 to 58,475.90, as losing issues outnumbered gainers 179 to 44.Leading the upside was software testing company Shift, up 11.8%, while silicon wafer maker Sumco declined 10%.In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index opened lower and could not recover, closing down 0.9% as traders warily eyed Middle East developments.The broad gauge Hang Seng fell 233.93 to 26,160.33 as losing issues outnumbered gainers 72 to 16. The Hang Seng TECH Index lost 1% on the day, while the Mainland Properties Index fell 0.5%.Leading the upside was New Oriental Education & Technology, gaining 3%, while Wuxi AppTec declined 5.9%.On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite fell 0.1% to 4,051.43.On the other regional exchanges, the South Korean KOSPI fell 0.6%; the Taiwan TWSE declined 0.9%; the Australian ASX 200 declined 0.1%; the Singapore Straits Times Index fell 0.12%, and the Thai Set declined 0.5%. In late trading in Mumbai, the Sensex was up 0.67%The MSCI All Country Asia Pacific Index fell 0.9% on the day.

Hang SengNikkei 225Shanghai Composite
Asia

Japanese Shares Slip as Inflation Pressures, Middle East Tensions Weigh

Japanese shares closed lower on Friday, weighed by concerns over rising inflation after a Reuters poll showed Japan's core consumer prices likely edged up in March on higher energy costs linked to the Middle East conflict.The Nikkei 225 fell 1.8%, or 1,042.44 points, to close at 58,475.90.Japan's core CPI is seen rising 1.8% in March from a year earlier, up from 1.6% but below the Bank of Japan's 2% target for a second straight month, a Reuters poll showed.Higher oil prices tied to Middle East tensions and a weak yen are expected to keep inflation pressure intact, though utility relief measures may offset some gains.Japan imports about 95% of its oil from the Middle East. Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda signalled no urgency to raise rates, suggesting policy may stay unchanged until at least June.On the corporate front, CCI Group (TYO:7381) fell 2% after its unit Hokkoku Bank booked 6.56 billion yen in unrealized losses on held-to-maturity securities.Nifco (TYO:7988) rose 1% after saying it will record about 7.64 billion yen in dividend income from subsidiary Nifco Korea. Marubeni (TYO:8002) declined 3% after its unit SmartestEnergy acquired an 85% stake in Factor Energia for 204 million euros.

Nikkei 225TYO:7381TYO:7988TYO:8002
Asia

Market Chatter: BOJ's Ueda Warns Energy Shock Complicates Policy, Avoids Rate Signals Ahead of April Meeting

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda said the rising energy prices have created a significant shock, making policy responses very challenging, Bloomberg News reported on Friday.Speaking to reporters in Washington after a G20 finance meeting, Ueda highlighted the difficulty of balancing upside risks to prices against downside risks to the economy from the Middle East conflict, the news wire said.Unlike before the previous two rate hikes, when Ueda sent clear hints to prepare the market, he stopped short of giving a clear signal on interest rates ahead of the board's April 28 decision, the publication said.The governor said the bank would ultimately choose the most appropriate response to achieve its 2% inflation target, depending on factors such as the shock's duration, the report said.His carefully balanced remarks came just before the board releases updated forecasts expected to raise inflation projections while possibly lowering growth estimates, 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
Asia

Market Chatter: IMF Urges Japan to Raise Rates Gradually, Target Fiscal Support Amid Strong Demand

A senior International Monetary Fund official has advised Japan to gradually raise interest rates while keeping any fiscal stimulus narrowly targeted, citing robust domestic demand and steady wage gains, Reuters News reported on Friday.Krishna Srinivasan, director of the IMF's Asia Pacific Department, stated at a news conference that Japan's growth has remained resilient, with strong domestic demand and positive wage growth, the news wire said.Srinivasan recommended that the Bank of Japan adopt a data-dependent approach to gradual rate hikes, projecting inflation will reach the BOJ's 2% target by 2027, the publication said.On fiscal policy, Srinivasan urged Japan to use its fiscal buffers wisely and provide targeted support, noting that current fuel and utility subsidies are adding to the country's already substantial debt, 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 Slide at Open After IMF, World Bank Flag War's Underestimated Economic Toll

Japanese stocks opened lower on Friday as the International Monetary Fund and World Bank officials cautioned that financial markets might be failing to fully account for the economic damage caused by the war.The Nikkei 225 dropped 263.3 points, or 0.4%, to 59,255.09 at the opening bell.The warnings overshadowed U.S. President Donald Trump's optimistic remarks about securing a lasting ceasefire with Iran before the current truce expires next week.Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon without mentioning Hezbollah, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed his agreement to the deal, according to various media reports.Compounding market unease, former Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson urged U.S. authorities to develop a contingency plan to prevent a potential demand collapse in the $31 trillion U.S. government debt market, Bloomberg News reported on Friday.

Nikkei 225
Asia

Market Chatter: Japan to Enroll 1,000 Small Businesses in Cyberattack Detection Pilot Program

Japan will launch a pilot program to detect cyberattacks at 1,000 small and midsize businesses, alongside a new security certification framework, Nikkei Asia reported on Friday, citing the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.The ministry will begin recruiting participants as early as May for the yearlong trial set to start this summer, drawing companies from sectors with complex supply chains such as automotive, logistics, construction, and finance, the publication said.Vendors will also be solicited to develop the necessary systems, while the ministry will advise participating firms on security measures based on their specific business relationships, the news daily said.The government plans to work with vendors to commercialize and price these services specifically tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises, 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

Persian Gulf, China Economic Outlooks Lift Asian Stock Markets

Asian stock markets marched unevenly higher Thursday, as traders reviewed major economic reports from Beijing, and prospects for peace in the Middle East.Hong Kong, Shanghai, Seoul, Taiwan and Tokyo exchanges finished in the green, although other regional exchanges edged lower.In Japan, the Nikkei 225 opened higher and rose to the close, up 2.4% as traders weighed media reports of possibly renewed Tehran-Washington peace talks.The benchmark Nikkei 225 gained 1,384.10 to 59,518.34, as gaining issues outnumbered losers 158 to 64.Leading the upside was gadget maker TDK, up 13.1%, while heavy-equipment manufacturer Komatsu declined 5.4%.In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index opened higher and tracked north, closing up 1.7%, after Beijing released a slate of generally good economic reports. Tech issues led the upside.The broad gauge Hang Seng rose 446.94 to 26,394.26 as gaining issues outnumbered losers 61 to 26. The Hang Seng TECH Index gained 3.7% on the day, while the Mainland Properties Index rose 1.2%.Leading the upside was Contemporary Amperex Technology, gaining 9%, while noodle maker Tingyi declined 3.5%.On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite rose 0.7% to 4,055.55.In economic news, mainland China's Q1 gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 5% on year, meeting Beijing's target, reported the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).Additionally, China's industrial output rose 5.7% on year in March, while retail sales lifted a tempered 1.7% in the same period.China's new home prices across 70 cities fell 3.4% on-year in March 2026, widening from a 3.2% decline in the previous month, reported the NBS.On the other regional exchanges, the S. Korean KOSPI rose 2.2%; the Taiwan TWSE added 1.1%; the Australian ASX 200 lost 0.3%; the Singapore Straits Times Index slipped 0.3%, and the Thai Set fell 1.1%. In late trading in Mumbai, the Sensex was down 0.2%.The MSCI All Country Asia Pacific Index rose 1.2% on the day.

Hang SengNikkei 225Shanghai Composite
Asia

Market Chatter: Japan Maintains Sustainability Finance Efforts Amid Energy Supply Disruptions

Sustainability-linked bond issuance in Japan for 2026 will be in line with last year's $10 billion total due to diversification efforts amid energy supply disruption due to the Middle East conflict, Nikkei Asia reported Thursday, citing SMBC Nikko Securities.Meanwhile, Mizuho Securities forecasts a 10% increase in issuance for the fiscal year, with the market maintaining its appetite despite a decline in megadeals, the report cited senior sustainability strategist Yasunobu Katsuki as saying.The Japanese government views the Middle East war as supportive of an energy transition set forth by former Prime Minister Yoshishide Suga, intending to make the country carbon-neutral by 2050, the report said.The strategy involves energy sources that include nuclear, hydrogen, and ammonia, on top of renewables, supporting the country's supply which is still reliant on imports, according to the report.The efforts face bottlenecks in terms of the development of alternative energy technologies, commercial scaling, and minimal disruption to the economy and workforce, the report said.Sovereign climate transition bond issuances in the country have seen a decline since their launch in fiscal 2023, although there is a plan to issue such bonds amounting to 1 trillion yen in fiscal 2026, the report cited research firm Climate Integrate as saying.(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

S&P Forecasts Weaker Credit Quality for 15% of Asia-Pacific Corporates Under Prolonged Middle East War

Protracted energy supply disruptions due to the Middle East conflict would weaken the credit profile of 15% of rated Asia-Pacific corporates, S&P Global Ratings said in a Thursday release.The figure under this downside scenario is greater than the 9% forecast under S&P's base case of a nearer end to the conflict.Sectors most vulnerable to the downside case include chemicals, downstream oil and gas, airlines, automotive, engineering and construction, and building materials, S&P said.The rating agency expects countries with depleting energy reserves to be impacted first, with subsidy efforts postponing some impact but ultimately pressuring countries' financial positions.The impact of the oil shock will vary across firms in different countries and even within the same sector, S&P said.However, supply chain diversification, inventory management, and timely cost passthrough should aid sectors in anchoring credit quality, S&P said.

ASX 200Hang SengNikkei 225Shanghai Composite^SZSE
Equities

S&P Global: Oil Shock Could Undermine Asian Pacific Bonds

About one-seventh of Asian Pacific corporate bonds outstanding could come under pressure if the Persian Gulf war and higher oil prices persist, S&P Global reported Thursday."A prolonged oil shock could undermine the credit quality of 15% of rated Asia-Pacific corporates tested under our downside scenario," advised S&P Global. "That's up from 9% under our base case of a quicker end to war."The Asia-Pacific is more exposed to a Middle-East related energy shock than most other regions, and vulnerable to "disruptions to energy and raw material supplies, demand destruction, margin compression, and working capital volatility," advised S&P Global.Nearly 90% of the crude oil shipped through the Strait of Hormuz is bound for Asia, and Persian Gulf petroleum accounts for about 40% of Asia-Pacific's energy imports, noted the credit-rating agency.In Asia, industries and enterprises that rely on jet fuel, diesel, and liquified petroleum gas (LPG) "face the highest shortage risk," reported S&P Global.Business sectors most affected include chemicals, downstream oil and gas, airlines, automobile-manufacturing, engineering and construction, and building materials.In terms of nations, South Korea, Japan, and mainland China "have largely mitigated near-term supply disruption," through use of adequate reserves, but "other countries have had to announce various measures to manage a potential energy supply crunch," said S&P Global.Not only corporates, but some sovereign bonds could be affected if high prices persist.The Philippines sovereign credit-rating was reduced to BBB+ "stable" from "positive" last week, due to exposure to oil shocks, said S&P Global.

Hang Seng^JKSEKOSPINikkei 225^PSEI^SETShanghai CompositeTaiwan Weighted
Asia

Asia-Pacific Governments' Efforts to Control Energy Shock Impact Could Weigh on Public Finances, Fitch Says

Asia-Pacific governments have been adopting several efforts to mitigate the near-term credit effects of the Middle East energy shock, although these measures transfer the pressure onto public finances, Fitch Ratings said in a recent release.Governments have been countering energy supply pressure through subsidies, price caps, administrative curbs, and energy import diversification, Fitch said.Vietnam has stretched its fuel tax suspension until Jun and eliminated import tariffs until April.Malaysia raised its monthly petrol and diesel subsidy bill, while Singapore increased its corporate tax rebate and carried out reliefs.In India, the government pulled back on full customs duties on 40 petrochemical products while reducing special excise duties on petrol and diesel.These efforts should lessen short-term inflation and social risks, offering a buffer against sudden demand weakness and operating pressure for corporates, the rating agency said.On the other hand, the measures also create strains on sovereign balance sheets, state-tied entities, and regulated energy frameworks, with diverging credit impacts across sovereigns and energy and regulated utility entities, Fitch said.The rating agency considers price controls as causing market signal disruptions and can add more credit stress.Pakistan, the Philippines, and Thailand have permitted domestic fuel price movements while Indonesia and India have maintained pump prices, Fitch said.China increased prices to levels below cost increases, while South Korea will not have fuel price cap changes for the next few weeks.Thailand requires price reductions, while the Philippines paused its electricity spot market to control increases in electricity bills.Fitch considers the actions as anchoring near-term affordability but disruptive to the profitability of energy entities under delayed compensation.State-linked companies' growing role in supporting energy needs amid the shock could dampen their standalone credit profiles, Fitch said.

ASX 200Hang SengNikkei 225Shanghai Composite^SZSE
Asia

Japan Shares Rise as Policymakers Flag Stability amid Global Uncertainty

Japanese shares closed higher on Thursday, supported by policy reassurance after Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said she flagged currency volatility and broader market swings to G7 counterparts.The Nikkei 225 rose 2.4%, or 1,384.10 points, to close at 59,518.34.Central banks are largely adopting a wait-and-see stance on policy amid uncertainty over the Middle East conflict and the impact of rate moves on growth, Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said after a G7 meeting.Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda also attended, though Katayama did not comment on implications for rate decisions.On the corporate front, SoftBank Group (TYO:9984) jumped 5% after pricing about 516.8 billion yen in dollar and euro senior notes to refinance debt and fund OpenAI-related investments.Toridoll (TYO:3397) fell 1% after saying it will restructure its UK unit via a company voluntary arrangement to cut costs and improve profitability.Daikin Industries (TYO:6367) surged 9% after Elliott flagged undervaluation and pushed for margin gains, higher returns and a review of non-core assets.

Nikkei 225TYO:3397TYO:6367TYO:9984
Asia

Market Chatter: Japan, EU Firms Deepen Defense Ties as Geopolitical Risks Rise

Japanese and European companies plan to join a new framework linking the two sides' defense industries, as geopolitical tensions drive efforts to secure supply chains, Nikkei reported Thursday.The initiative will be discussed at the first Japan-EU defense industry dialogue on Friday, with nearly 20 European participants including Airbus, Thales, Dassault Systemes, Leonardo, Saab and PGZ, alongside about 30 Japanese companies and organizations such as Subaru (TYO:7270), Hitachi (TYO:6501), IHI (TYO:7013), Mitsubishi Corp. (TYO:8058) and Sumitomo Corp (TYO:8053), according to the report.European officials are seeking collaboration with Japanese firms on dual-use technologies and other capabilities to reinforce regional supply chains, while Japanese companies view Europe as a gateway for global expansion, the report said.The talks come as the EU looks to reduce reliance on the U.S. for security and expand partnerships, while Japan positions defense as a key growth sector and aims to access European funding frameworks, 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:6501TYO:7013TYO:7270TYO:8053TYO:8058
Japan

Japanese Shares Climb on Ceasefire Hopes, Strong Wall Street Corporate Earnings

Optimism over a potential U.S.-Iran ceasefire and solid corporate earnings on Wall Street lifted Japanese stocks at Thursday's opening.The Nikkei 225 climbed by 345.6 points or 0.6% to open at 58,479.83.The U.S. and Iran are discussing a two-week truce extension to allow further peace negotiations, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, easing fears of renewed fighting even as tensions remain high over the Strait of Hormuz.Separately, IMF Mission Chief for Japan Rahul Anand told Reuters that the Bank of Japan can look past Middle East war‑related inflation, since broader second‑round price effects are likely limited.Anand's comments come as conflict‑driven oil price surges add to inflationary pressures, keeping alive market expectations for a near‑term BOJ interest rate hike.

Nikkei 225
Asia

Market Chatter: Japan's Local Governments and Banks Step In to Aid Small Businesses Hit by Middle East Conflict

Japanese local governments and banks are stepping in to support small businesses affected by the Middle East conflict, Nikkei Asia reported on Wednesday, citing farmers and business owners.The local governments are offering businesses cash-flow assistance and easing loan repayment conditions to protect regional economies, the news agency said.A strawberry grower in Kumamoto Prefecture, in southern Japan, reported that surging crude oil prices are driving up production expenses, the publication said.The cost of heavy oil needed to regulate temperatures inside plastic greenhouses has climbed 20% since the start of the year, while plastic sheeting and other materials have jumped nearly 40%, severely squeezing farm profitability, the report said.The farmer noted that heavy fuel oil, which usually costs around 100 yen per liter, spiked to as high as 136 yen before settling near 120 yen, amid the surge in global oil prices, 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
Asia

Market Chatter: Japan's Private Credit Assets Surge 2.5 Times as Local Investors Chase Higher Returns

Total assets in Japan's private credit funds reached 750 billion yen at the end of February, 2.5 times higher than nearly a year prior, Nikkei Asia reported Wednesday.Private credit refers to loans made by nonbank institutions such as investment funds, typically targeting midsized or smaller companies, rather than through traditional banks, the report said.Domestic investors searching for greater returns are fueling rapid growth in private credit funds, even as overseas investors look to exit due to worries about direct lending, the publication reported.Japanese publicly offered investment trusts in the private credit space held only around 3 billion yen in assets five years ago, Nikkei Asia reported Wednesday, citing QUICK Asset Management Research Center's data.(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

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