News & Insights

In November, the Japanese market experienced a decline with the TOPIX and Nikkei 225 indices ending the month down by -0.5% and -2.2% respectively due to factors including expectations of a BOJ rate hike and potential upcoming US trade policy changes.

In October, the Japanese market experienced a degree of volatility but ultimately the Nikkei 225 and TOPIX indices ended the month up, at +3.1% and +1.9% respectively. Gains in the market were led by large-cap stocks, following the trend in the U.S. as major stocks hit new historic highs.

After a three-year tenure from Fumio Kishida, on October 1st Japan elected its 102nd prime minister, Shigeru Ishiba. With a newly formed cabinet much remains uncertain, but in this article we will consider the potential impact of this change of administration on the Japanese equity market.

[External Link] Katsutoshi Inadome, Chief Strategist at SuMi TRUST, recently shared his perspective on the Bank of Japan's Tankan survey and what this means for the manufacturing sector in Japan.

[External Link] SuMi TRUST AM's Chief Strategist, Katsutoshi Inadome's comments on the state of Japan's Government Pension Investment Fund have been published Financial Times.

[External Link] Katsunori Ogawa, Chief Portfolio Manager of the Sakigake High Alpha fund at SuMi TRUST AM, goes in depth on his conviction in the strength of the Japanese semiconductor industry.

[EXTERNAL LINK] SuMi TRUST AM's Chief Strategist, Katsutoshi Inadome shares his analysis on the outcome of the Bank of Japan's monetary policy meeting in September.

SuMi TRUST AM's Senior Stewardship Officer, Seiji Kawazoe comments on engagement activities within the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures.

In September, the Japanese equity market continued to see significant volatility. The month started with a drop caused in part by weaker-than-expected U.S. economic data. This was followed by a rebound in the run-up to the selection of Prime Minister Kishida’s successor.

In August, the Japanese equity market saw significant volatility. Despite the initially bleak outlook, by the mid-month Japanese markets had made a strong recovery. This month also saw Prime Minister Kishida announce that he would be stepping down.