Can Japan's Stock Market Continue Its Record-Setting Run?

Japan’s equity benchmark, the Nikkei 225 Index, has eclipsed its previous high set in 1989. Solid economic growth, a revamp in the country's tax-free stock investment program and corporate governance reform have helped propel Japanese equities to record highs. We believe the market has room to climb further due to a positive cyclical backdrop.

Inflation Progress May Be Bumpy, But Is Likely To Continue

Home Market Outlook Economy Analysis Inflation Progress May Be Bumpy, But Is Likely To Continue. Inflation cooled substantially last year, but upside surprises in early 2024 for the US and Europe have many investors concerned. Global central banks seem to be making continued progress. In inflation, inflation is improving in more major economies.

The Tides Of Time: The Impact Of Aging Demographics

Weekly Report: what happened at FLJP last week (0408-0412)?

Global Market Perspectives Q2 2024: What's Not To Like?

Home Market Outlook Today's Market Perspectives Q2 2024: What's Not To Like? U.S. Economy continues to grow, overshadowing other major global economies of 2023. With most other global economies still struggling, the U.s. Will remain the strongest global performer.

The Bank of Japan's New Path Ahead

The Bank of Japan is set to normalise monetary policy when certain conditions are met. In March, the BoJ raised rates for the first time in 17 years. ING expects inflation to fall below 2% and a recovery in domestic demand growth to support growth in 2024. The market is pricing in a 25bp hike by the end of the year.

Springtime For Japanese Stocks

Japan may be blossoming again. Goods and wage inflation are returning, some companies are embracing real and significant corporate reforms, and the equity market has surged. The Japanese economy appears to be emerging from years of stagnation. A third of companies in Japan have price-to-book ratios below one.

Broaden Your Investment Horizons

It may be time to look beyond the U.S. For equity market performance. Looser monetary and fiscal policy could add momentum to what already appears to be a global cyclical recovery. Europe could cut its interest rates sooner than the United States. Europe's manufacturing activity could get a boost from stimulus.

Weekly Report: what happened at FLJP last week (0401-0405)?

Weekly Commentary: Global Ring Of Fire

Money Market Fund Assets surged $70.5 billion last week to a record $6.111 TN. Milton Friedman: The Great Depression was the height of the boom and the depth of the depression. Doug Noland says we are in the "terminal phase of history's greatest boom and bust.

Equity Outlook: Earnings Step Back Into The Market Spotlight

Too many companies with solid earnings growth haven’t been rewarded in narrow equity markets. Global equities advanced briskly in the first quarter. Earnings growth is poised to take center stage as a driver of stock returns for wider equity markets, says AllianceBernstein. The market's resilience reflects a potential turning point for equity investors.

The Paradox Of Japan's Negative Rates

After the Bank of Japan cut rates below zero in January 2016, the yen gained 10% against the U.S. Dollar. The yen sold off while the Nikkei 225 rallied. The recent hike in interest rates may end up further stimulating, instead of slowing, economic growth. Negative rates act as a tax on the banking system rather than stimulating growth.

Finding Victories In A Confusing First Quarter For Global Markets

Staying Nimble While Seeking Income

Weekly Report: what happened at FLJP last week (0325-0329)?

Weekly Commentary: On Currency Watch Following Melt-Up Q1 2024

Home Market Outlook Today's Market Weekly Commentary: On Currency Watch Following Melt-Up Q1 2024. Bitcoin ended the quarter up 159% from October lows, trading at a record high. Financial conditions loosened further, building on the Fed's dovish pivot. The spectacular risk asset melt-up was ongoing.

Japan: Stronger-Than-Expected Retail Sales, Softer-Than-Expected Industrial Production

Tokyo consumer prices unexpectedly rose 2.6% year-on-year in March. Industrial production unexpectedly dropped again in February. Tokyo inflation hasn't changed much above the 2% level. The Bank of Japan will pay more attention to the improvement in retail sales and sticky inflation.

Japan Ends Its Negative Interest Rate Policy

Bank of Japan ended its negative interest rate policy on March 19, 2024. Higher interest rates and rising inflation expectations are positive for the Japanese equity market. We are positive on Japanese banks, industrials and consumer discretionary companies. The impact of the policy change on the USD-JPY rate is likely to be gradual.

A Momentous Week For Monetary Policy Bodes Well For Markets

Bank of Japan raises rates for the first time in 17 years. Swiss National Bank becomes first developed central bank to cut rates in this rate cycle. The BOJ's decision to end negative interest rates is a vote of confidence in the Japanese economy. Five developed and seven emerging market central banks met last week.

Why We Stay Risk-On In The Short Term

U.S. Stocks hit record highs last week and 10-year yields fell as the Fed stuck with planned rate cuts. Japanese stocks gained on a cautious BOJ policy pivot. We see falling inflation, nearing interest rate cuts and solid corporate earnings supporting cheery risk sentiment.