Nikkei 225

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 Markets107d 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

International107d 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.

International108d 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

Nikkei 225TYO:2780TYO:4892TYO:8707

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.

International108d 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%.

International108d ago

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.

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 225TYO:6902TYO:7203

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.)

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.

Hang SengNikkei 225Shanghai Composite

International110d ago

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.

Asia111d ago

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

Asia111d ago

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.)

Asia111d ago

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.)