Nomura Holdings, Inc.

Nikkei 225 Futures Intraday Gain Expands to 3.2%

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Bank of Japan's Kazushige Kamiyama warned that while investment funds are crucial for providing risk capital, they also pose risks to the financial system. He noted the growing presence of foreign hedge and private equity funds in Japan, which could lead to increased price volatility in markets. As Japanese institutions lend more to these funds, the risk of external shocks affecting domestic markets rises, highlighting the need for enhanced cooperation among global financial authorities.

BlackRock, Inc.

FI2 CSOP NIKKEI

Rakuten Investment Management, Inc.

FL2 CSOP NIKKEI

CSOP NIKKEI225

BOJ warns of financial system risks from investment fund activity

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Former Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda warned that ongoing conflict in Iran could lead to a shift in monetary policy. He indicated that the Bank of Japan might need to accelerate policy normalization and tighten monetary measures to combat inflation, highlighting the economic risks associated with prolonged geopolitical tensions.

CoinLive

Asset Management One Co., Ltd.

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings, Inc.

Former BOJ Governor Kuroda: Iran War Could Force Policy Shift

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The NIKKEI 225 Index fell 0.34% this week, down 203.06 points to 59513.12, marking its largest weekly decline since April 2026 and ending a three-week winning streak. Despite today's rise of 0.38%, the index remains 1.69% off its record close of 60537.36. Year-to-date, it has increased by 18.22%, up 9173.64 points.

MorningStar

NIKKEI 225 Index Falls 0.34% This Week to 59513.12 — Data Talk

The Nikkei 225 Index fell to ¥59,920 after the Bank of Japan (BoJ) maintained interest rates at a 30-year high of 0.75%. Concerns arose as more officials voted for a potential rate hike, reflecting inflation pressures. Energy prices have surged, impacting the economy. Upcoming earnings from major Japanese companies and U.S. firms could influence market reactions. Despite recent fluctuations, technical analysis suggests a bullish outlook for the Nikkei, with a target resistance at ¥61,000.

Invezz

Pro Ultrshrt Yen

Hitachi,Ltd.

Hitachi

Advantest Corp.

Astellas Pharma Inc.

Astellas Pharma

Mitsubishi Electric Corp.

Mitsubishi Electric

Shin-Etsu Chemical Co Ltd

Fujitsu Limited

Komatsu Ltd.

Komatsu

Mitsubishi Corporation

MITSUBISHI CORP UNSPONS ADS REP 1 ORD SHS

Mitsui & Co.,Ltd

Mitsui & Co.

Marubeni Corporation

Sumitomo Corporation

SUMITOMO CORP SPONS ADR EACH REP 1 COM NPV

Itochu Corporation

Apple

Microsoft

Alphabet

Alphabet - C

Amazon

Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.

Here’s why the Nikkei 225 Index may surge despite hawkish BoJ tilt

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The Nikkei 225 Index reached a record high of ¥60,787, driven by key catalysts this week. The ongoing US-Iran war and its impact on crude oil prices, which hit $107, is a major factor, as Japan relies heavily on energy imports. Additionally, the Bank of Japan's interest rate decision, expected to remain at 0.75%, may lead to a future hike. Important corporate earnings from major Japanese firms, including those backed by Warren Buffett, will also influence the index's performance.

Huaan MUFG N225 ETF(QDII)

ChinaAMC Nomura N225 ETF(QDII)

Top 3 catalysts for the Nikkei 225 Index this week

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Japan's manufacturing activity expanded at its strongest pace in four years in April, with the S&P Global flash Manufacturing PMI rising to 54.9 from 51.6 in March. Concerns over potential supply shortages due to tensions in the Middle East drove this increase. However, service sector activity slowed, with the services PMI falling to 51.2. Price pressures intensified, with input costs rising sharply, and business confidence weakened, reaching its lowest level since August 2020. The composite PMI slipped to 52.4 as slower service growth offset manufacturing gains.

- In April, Japan's manufacturing activity expanded at its strongest pace in four years, driven by concerns over potential supply shortages due to rising tensions in the Middle East.  
- The S&P Global Flash Japan Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) climbed to 54.9, the highest since January 2022, with factory output increasing the most since February 2014.  
- However, service sector activity slowed, and overall business confidence dipped to its lowest level since August 2020, indicating a mixed economic outlook.

Kyodo Printing Co., Ltd.

S&P Global

Japan's factory activity expands at strongest pace in 4 years, PMI shows

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The NIKKEI 225 Index rose 2.73% this week, closing at 58475.90, marking a gain of 1551.79 points. It has increased for two consecutive weeks, totaling a 10.08% rise over the last fortnight, the largest since October 2025. Despite a 1.75% drop today, it remains the fifth highest close in history and is up 16.16% year-to-date. The index is currently 1.75% off its record high of 59518.34 from April 16, 2026, and has risen 70.88% from its 52-week low.

Rakuten Group, Inc.

Factset Research

NIKKEI 225 Index Rises 2.73% This Week to 58475.90 — Data Talk

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The Nikkei 225 index's intraday percentage gain widened to 1.1%

Wallstreetcn

E Fund Amova N225 ETF(QDII)

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The IMF anticipates that the Bank of Japan will increase interest rates at a slightly faster pace than previously expected, projecting a gradual rise towards a neutral rate of about 1.5% by the end of 2027. Japan's economy is expected to grow 1.2% in 2025, slowing to 0.7% in 2026 and 0.6% in 2027. Inflation is predicted to moderate and align with the BOJ's 2% target as commodity prices ease. The BOJ's next policy meeting on April 27-28 is under scrutiny, with market volatility due to the Middle East conflict affecting economic forecasts.

Businesstimes News

Daiwa Securities Group, Inc.

Simplex Financial Holdings Co., Ltd.

IMF expects pace of Japan's interest rate hikes to speed up slightly

Tokyo equities experienced a significant decline on April 2, with the Nikkei 225 index dropping over 2% following comments from US President Donald Trump. His remarks raised concerns about the potential prolongation of the Iran war, leading to a sell-off in the market. The Nikkei Stock Average closed down 1,276.41 points, or 2.38%.

Tokyo stocks slide following Trump remarks

Nomura Holdings, Inc.(1571.JP)

BOJ warns of financial system risks from investment fund activity

Former BOJ Governor Kuroda: Iran War Could Force Policy Shift

NIKKEI 225 Index Falls 0.34% This Week to 59513.12 — Data Talk

Here’s why the Nikkei 225 Index may surge despite hawkish BoJ tilt

Top 3 catalysts for the Nikkei 225 Index this week