Japanese Shares Fall As Ruling Coalition Risks Losing Upper House Majority
Japanese shares ended lower on Friday as media polls suggested the ruling coalition may lose its upper house majority in the July 20 election, raising political uncertainty amid stalled trade talks with the U.S.
The Nikkei 225 fell 0.21%, or 82.08 points, to end at 39,819.11.
Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party and coalition partner Komeito are likely to fall short of the 50 seats needed to retain their upper house majority, the Asahi newspaper reported, citing voter polls and nationwide reporting by its journalists.
News agency Jiji also said the coalition was struggling in the campaign. Support for Prime Minister Ishiba's administration has fallen as households face rising living costs, including surging rice prices.
In economic data, Japan's annual inflation slowed to 3.3% in June from 3.5% in May, the lowest since November, as energy and service costs eased, government data showed on Friday. Core inflation also fell to 3.3% from 3.7%.
Source : MT Newswires
