Image Credits - The Economics Times
Japan’s Nikkei stock index surged to its highest level in 34 years on Wednesday, propelled by a potent cocktail of tech sector gains and a revitalized yen. The benchmark Nikkei 225 index roared 2.01% to close at a stratospheric 34,441.72, marking its highest closing since February 1990 and leaving the 34,000 mark firmly in its wake for the first time since March of the same year.
The broader Topix index echoed the sentiment, climbing 1.3% to settle at 2,444.48, reaching its zenith since March 1990.
This market stampede was orchestrated by a confluence of bullish factors. Firstly, Japanese tech stocks, emboldened by overnight advances among their U.S. counterparts, took centre stage. With chip-related firms leading the charge, the sector mirrored the Nasdaq’s resilience in the face of broader market declines on Wall Street.
Tokyo Electron, a semiconductor equipment behemoth, saw its shares soar 790 yen, a 3.3% jump, while Advantest, another chipmaker, surged 6.0%. This tech-fueled rally underscored the growing confidence in Japan’s burgeoning technology sector, a welcome sign for a nation long known for its prowess in manufacturing and heavy industry.
Secondly, the Japanese yen, after months of appreciating against the dollar, took a much-needed breather, weakening slightly in Asian trade. This depreciation proved to be a boon for Japanese exporters, whose overseas profits become more valuable when translated back into yen.
Uniqlo-owner Fast Retailing, a prime beneficiary of this currency tailwind, witnessed its shares climb 3.83%, propelling it to the top spot as the biggest contributor to the Nikkei’s ascent. Other export-oriented giants like Toyota and Sony also enjoyed handsome gains, adding further fuel to the market’s fire.
Analysts attributed the yen’s retreat to investors adopting a cautious stance ahead of the highly anticipated U.S. inflation data due later this week. The data, expected on Thursday, will be closely scrutinized by the Federal Reserve as it grapples with the delicate task of curbing inflation without stifling economic growth.
A weaker yen in anticipation of potential dovish moves by the Fed was welcomed by Japanese companies eager to boost their global competitiveness.
Despite these concerns, the Nikkei’s historic surge signifies a renewed optimism in Japan’s economic outlook. The tech sector’s dynamism, coupled with the government’s continued focus on digitalization and innovation, provides a promising foundation for sustainable growth. Moreover, the weaker yen, if managed prudently, can bolster exporter competitiveness and reignite the engines of international trade.