GSJY

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.

The Tides Of Time: The Impact Of Aging Demographics

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

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 GSJY last week (0401-0405)?

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.