Latest news with #SMBCTrustBank
The Mainichi
13 hours ago
- Business
- The Mainichi
Tokyo stocks end lower amid uncertainty over Middle East conflict
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks ended slightly lower Friday, as many investors refrained from buying amid uncertainty over the intensifying Israel-Iran conflict in the Middle East. The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average closed down 85.11 points, or 0.22 percent, from Thursday at 38,403.23. The broader Topix index finished 20.82 points, or 0.75 percent, lower at 2,771.26. On the top-tier Prime Market, decliners were led by insurance, mining and farm and fishery issues. The U.S. dollar moved little amid a lack of fresh trading cues in Tokyo after falling to the lower 145 yen range on selling following its three-week high in the upper 145 yen level overnight. The Nikkei stock index was directionless amid uncertainty over whether Israel and Iran will seek a diplomatic solution, with U.S. President Donald Trump saying he will decide within two weeks whether to strike Iran, brokers said. "Investors were finding it difficult to tilt their positions to either buy or sell as it is unclear whether the situation in the Middle East will peak or deteriorate due to actions to be taken by the United States," said Maki Sawada, a strategist at the Investment Content Department of Nomura Securities Co. The ongoing Middle East conflict could have a negative influence on U.S.-Japan tariff negotiations, with Japan's chief negotiator pointing to the possibility of Washington becoming unable to devote time to holding talks with Tokyo, some brokers said. "I personally feel that the tariff negotiations may not go well" and prompt stocks to start falling, said Masahiro Yamaguchi, head of investment research at SMBC Trust Bank.
The Mainichi
12-06-2025
- Business
- The Mainichi
Tokyo stocks snap 4-day win streak on firmer yen, tariff uncertainty
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks snapped a four-day winning streak Thursday, as exporters were hurt by a stronger yen and uncertainty over U.S. tariff negotiations. The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended down 248.10 points, or 0.65 percent, from Wednesday at 38,173.09. The broader Topix index finished 5.75 points, or 0.21 percent, lower at 2,782.97. On the top-tier Prime Market, decliners were led by service, chemical and transportation equipment issues. The U.S. dollar weakened to the upper 143 yen range following a report that China is putting a six-month limit on export licenses for its rare earth exports to U.S. manufacturers, raising the prospect of further U.S.-China trade uncertainty, dealers said. Stocks gave way to profit-taking after the Nikkei gained more than 800 points over the last four trading days. The yen's strength pressured export-oriented automakers, whose overseas profits are boosted by a weaker currency. Shares in sectors with high oil demand such as airlines and steelmakers were sold on concern about rising energy costs as the key U.S. oil futures contract climbed amid growing tensions in the Middle East, analysts said. The uncertain outlook over U.S. tariff negotiations with its major trading partners also weighed on the market following the report about China's minerals exports and a remark by the Japanese prime minister that the country will not sacrifice its national interests to reach a deal quickly. "With prospects of tariff negotiations remaining unclear, investors were finding it difficult to take a risk-on approach," said Masahiro Yamaguchi, head of investment research at SMBC Trust Bank.
The Mainichi
06-06-2025
- Business
- The Mainichi
Tokyo stocks climb on hopes US-China trade tensions ease
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks climbed Friday on hopes of easing U.S.-China trade tensions after the leaders of the world's two largest economies agreed to resume talks soon. The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended up 187.12 points, or 0.50 percent, from Thursday at 37,741.61. The broader Topix index finished 12.86 points, or 0.47 percent, higher at 2,769.33. On the top-tier Prime Market, gainers were led by construction, iron and steel, and land transportation issues. The U.S. dollar briefly strengthened to the lower 144 yen range in Tokyo, supported by receding concerns about the U.S. economic outlook after President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held phone talks, dealers said. Stocks of some companies operating in China rose as talks between the U.S. and Chinese leaders raised hopes for progress in tariff negotiations and eased concerns about the levies' economic impact, brokers said. "Even a slight easing of tensions helped lift such shares," said Masahiro Yamaguchi, head of investment research at SMBC Trust Bank. "But buying lacked energy as investors were uncertain on whether the talks are really heading in a good direction." The market was also supported by gains in export-oriented auto and machinery shares, as the weaker yen raised expectations of stronger overseas earnings when repatriated. Meanwhile, many investors adopted a wait-and-see stance ahead of key U.S. jobs data due later in the day after employment-related figures released earlier this week came in weaker than expected, brokers said.
The Mainichi
02-06-2025
- Business
- The Mainichi
Tokyo stocks drop on concern over changing US tariff policies
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks fell Monday on selling fueled by growing concerns over ever-changing U.S. tariff policies after President Donald Trump announced a doubling of levies on steel and aluminum. The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended down 494.43 points, or 1.30 percent, from Friday at 37,470.67. The broader Topix index finished 24.28 points, or 0.87 percent, lower at 2,777.29. On the top-tier Prime Market, decliners were led by rubber product, precision instrument and transportation equipment issues. The U.S. dollar weakened to around the 143 yen line in Tokyo as the Japanese currency, seen as a safe-haven asset, was bought on growing worries about U.S.-China trade tensions after Trump accused China of violating a trade deal, dealers said. Stocks dropped as fears of a global economic slowdown grew after Trump said Friday that he will raise tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to 50 percent from 25 percent imposed by his administration earlier this year. "The flip-flops in his policy make it difficult for companies to make investment decisions in the long run, possibly causing them to hold back on capital spending," said Masahiro Yamaguchi, head of investment research at SMBC Trust Bank. In addition to Trump's announcement of higher tariff rates on steel and aluminum, the concerns over rekindled U.S.-China trade frictions also weighed on the market, brokers said. "The optimistic mood in May likely changed this month," as prolonged uncertainty will increasingly weigh on the economy and have a negative impact on risk assets, Yamaguchi said.
The Mainichi
29-05-2025
- Business
- The Mainichi
Nikkei index surges to 3-month high as US tariff ruling eases fears
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Nikkei stock index climbed sharply Thursday to close at a three-month high and the yen fell against the U.S. dollar, as fears over an economic slowdown eased after a U.S. court blocked President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs. The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended up 710.58 points, or 1.88 percent, from Wednesday at 38,432.98, its highest level since Feb. 21. The broader Topix index finished 42.51 points, or 1.53 percent, higher at 2,812.02. On the top-tier Prime Market, gainers were led by nonferrous metal, transportation equipment and insurance issues. The U.S dollar briefly strengthened to the lower 146 yen range in Tokyo, as Wednesday's ruling by the U.S. Court of International Trade helped reduce concern that the world's largest economy would contract due to Trump's tariff policy, dealers said. Stocks surged after the U.S. court said Trump cannot impose some of his levies under emergency powers, including the so-called reciprocal tariffs. The White House has appealed the ruling, according to media reports. "While tariff negotiations were ongoing, most of the tariffs were ordered to be suspended in an unexpected way, making investors optimistic," said Masahiro Yamaguchi, head of investment research at SMBC Trust Bank. Among notable gainers, heavyweight semiconductor-linked shares rose after U.S. chip giant Nvidia Corp. reported stronger-than-expected earnings results for the February-April period. Export-oriented auto and electronics issues were also bought as the weaker yen increases exporters' overseas profits when repatriated.
