Nikkei Rises Slightly, Investors Await Bank of Japan Decision
The Nikkei 225 index rose 0.2% to around 53,790, while the Topix also rose 0.2% to 3,624 on Friday. These gains occurred as investors awaited the Bank of Japan's decision, which is expected to maintain interest rates at 0.75% after a small increase in December. Policymakers are balancing slowing inflation, a weakening yen, and fiscal concerns related to government spending plans.
Japan's headline inflation fell to 2.1% in December, its lowest level since March 2022. Blue-chip stocks such as Nintendo (+3.3%), JX Advanced (+3.4%), Advantest (+0.7%), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (+1.2%), and Toyota Motor (+0.8%) recorded gains, supporting positive market sentiment.
In addition to domestic factors, the Japanese market also received a boost from Wall Street, after US President Donald Trump canceled previously proposed tariffs against Europe. The framework agreement with NATO regarding Greenland also helped alleviate geopolitical concerns, boosting investor confidence. (az)
Source: Newsmaker.id