Asian Currencies Hold Steady as Indian Rupee Slides to Record Low on Fed Outlook 
China’s November Economic Data Signals Slowing Industrial Output and Weak Consumer Demand 
Australia’s Labour Market Weakens as November Employment Drops Sharply 
Russia Stocks End Flat as Energy and Retail Shares Show Mixed Performance 
South Korea Extends Bond Market Stabilization Measures Amid Rising Financial Risks 
U.S. Stock Futures Mixed as Tech and AI Stocks Face Pressure Ahead of CPI Data 
Japan Business Sentiment Hits Four-Year High, Boosting Expectations of BOJ Rate Hike 
Fed Near Neutral Signals Caution Ahead, Shifting Focus to Fixed Income in 2026 
U.S. Dollar Slides for Third Straight Week as Rate Cut Expectations Boost Euro and Pound 
Dollar Struggles as Markets Eye Key Central Bank Decisions and Global Rate Outlooks 
Oil Prices Rebound in Asia as Venezuela Sanctions Risks Offset Ukraine Peace Hopes 
Asian Technology and Chipmaking Stocks Slide as AI Spending Concerns Shake Markets 
Fed Rate Cut Signals Balance Between Inflation and Jobs, Says Mary Daly 
ASX Shares Slide After ASIC Imposes A$150 Million Capital Requirement 
Mexico Moves to Increase Tariffs on Asian Imports to Protect Domestic Industries 
Oil Prices Rebound as U.S.-Venezuela Tensions Offset Oversupply Concerns 
Japan’s Nikkei 225 Index soared past the 44,000 mark for the first time on Tuesday, fueled by optimism over trade developments and expectations of stronger stimulus measures. The benchmark climbed 0.9% to 44,018.78 in early trading, while the broader Topix gained 0.4%, signaling strong momentum across Japanese equities.
Investor confidence grew after Japan’s chief tariff negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, announced that U.S. tariffs on Japanese automobiles will be lowered by September 16. This clarification eased concerns surrounding the July trade deal and strengthened sentiment in export-heavy sectors.
The rally followed Monday’s gains, sparked by the resignation of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, known for his fiscal conservatism. Markets welcomed reports that Sanae Takaichi, a strong advocate of government spending and monetary easing, will run in the Liberal Democratic Party leadership race. Her candidacy heightened expectations of aggressive economic stimulus policies, boosting market enthusiasm.
Out of the Nikkei’s listed companies, 144 advanced while 77 declined. Chip-testing equipment maker Advantest led the gainers with a 6.7% surge, followed by Tokuyama, which climbed 5%. On the downside, Citizen Watch dropped 5.8% ahead of its planned removal from the Nikkei in October, while Takeda Pharmaceutical slid 2.4%.
The Nikkei’s historic climb highlights growing investor optimism toward Japan’s economy as global trade tensions ease and prospects of accommodative fiscal and monetary policies strengthen. With automotive tariffs set to fall and stimulus-friendly leadership likely on the horizon, Tokyo’s stock market is positioned for further bullish momentum.
