Japan

In the World 9th February 2026

Japan’s Takaichi landslide victory puts us back positive for stocks and negative for Japanese bonds

Alicia Gª Herrero (Natixis) | At the Lower House election on February 8th, Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) won a historical victory with 316 seats, which brings her well above the absolute majority. With the Japan Innovation Party (JIP) gaining 36 seats, the LDP-led ruling coalition obtained 75% of total seats at the Lower House. These results should bring higher political stability, as the LDP was in coalition before the…

In the World 16th December 2025

Tankan index, measuring confidence of large Japanese manufacturing companies, improves despite weak economic growth

Bankinter | The Tankan index, which measures the confidence of large manufacturing companies, improves to 15 points in Q4 2025 (compared to the expected 15 and the previous 14). In the case of Services, it fell slightly to 34 points, in line with expectations (compared to 35 expected and 34 previously). Small manufacturing companies also improved somewhat compared to the previous quarter and recorded better-than-expected figures (6 compared to 2…

In the World 27th October 2025

Sanae Takaichi Drives Nikkei 225 to Historic Highs

DWS | The Japanese stock market index, the Nikkei 225, has surged by around 25% since the beginning of the year and, at almost 50,000 points, is approaching its all-time high. The driving factors are not just euphoria over Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the weak yen, but also a new political realignment in Tokyo. Following the election this week of Sanae Takaichi as Prime Minister and the formation of a…

In the World 28th August 2025

US and Japan prepare $550 billion investment agreement linked to tariff cuts, particularly on cars

Norbolsa | The US and Japan are preparing a $550 billion investment agreement linked to tariff cuts, particularly on cars. The plan targets strategic sectors such as chips and rare earths, although differences remain: Washington demands a written agreement and Tokyo prefers a flexible compromise. Trump presents it as a victory for the US, while Japan insists on mutual benefits. Despite the lack of clarity, Prime Minister Ishiba has gained…

In the World 18th August 2025

Japan’s GDP grows 1% in Q2, beating estimates and paving way for further rate hikes

Bankinter | GDP grew 1.0% (quarter-on-quarter) in Q2, beating consensus estimates and paving the way for further rate hikes by the Bank of Japan. Japan’s growth in Q2 has been a positive surprise, exceeding consensus forecasts of 0.4% growth. In addition, growth in the previous quarter has been revised upwards to 0.6% (quarter-on-quarter) from -0.2%. Growth was led by business investment, which rose by 1.3% in the quarter, while consumption…

In the World, World economy 24th July 2025

US imposes 15% tariffs on Japan in exchange for opening its agricultural and automotive markets to US companies

Link Securities | US President Donald Trump announced yesterday a trade agreement with Japan that will result in the imposition of 15% trade tariffs on Japanese imports, instead of the 25% tariffs announced in the initial letter. Government officials from both countries confirmed that this tariff reduction will also apply to automobiles. Trump said Japan agreed to open its agricultural and automotive markets to US companies. Bloomberg quoted a senior…

In the World 9th April 2025

Japan may get priority in negotiations with US

Banca March | Japan will receive a ‘reciprocal’ tariff of 24%, in addition to the 25% already implemented on cars. As Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba pointed out, the automotive industry is a ‘pillar’ of its economy. In an effort to ease tensions, Ishiba and Trump spoke on the phone, reflecting Japan’s willingness to seek an agreement. Scott Besset, US Treasury Secretary, expressed his expectation that Japan would be treated as…

In the World 17th February 2025

Japan shows surprising 2.8% growth in 4Q24 vs. 1.7% previously

Bankinter | Japan’s GDP surprised positively in 4Q 2024. GDP was up 2.8% (quarter-on-quarter annualised) versus 1.1% estimated and 1.7% previous (revised from 1.2%). Quarter-on-quarter was up 0.7 against a 0.3% estimated and 0.4% previous (revised from 0.3%). Our team’s view: Good news. The Japanese economy is growing more than expected, which together with inflation clearly above the 2% target (up 3.6% in December), will allow the BoJ to continue…

In the World, World economy 26th August 2024

Digital revolution speeds up in Japan

Capital Group | The winds of change are blowing in Japan. Corporate reform, wage growth and the digital revolution are ending decades of deflation and driving the market to highs not seen since 1989. Policymakers are urging companies to put shareholders first, and the government has created a digital agency to close the innovation gap with other countries. Digitalisation is a key issue to overcome demographic problems and boost productivity….

World economy 19th July 2024

Japan’s trade balance surprises and unexpectedly enters surplus in June: ¥224.000 million against -¥185.700 million estimated

Bankinter: Japan’s Trade Balance went into surplus in June. It stands at ¥224,000M vs -¥185,700M estimated and -¥1,220,000M estimated. The indicator surprises and enters surplus unexpectedly. However, its breakdown shows a weak evolution. Exports slow down, despite the weak yen (+5.4% year-on-year from +13.5% previously and versus +7.2% estimated), and Imports (+3.2% year-on-year from +9.5% previously and +9.6% estimated). It is precisely the slowdown in this last item, which points…

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