Nikkei Average rises 1,008 points, recovers 68,000 level led by semiconductor stocks; yen hits 40-year low territory

Nikkei Average rises 1,008 yen, buybacks centered on semiconductor stocks On the 15th, the Nikkei extended gains, closing at 68,751 yen, up 1,008 yen from the previous day. Welcoming the slowdown in US CPI growth, there was a broad advance centered on semiconductor-related stocks. There was also a wait-and-see mood ahead of ASML's earnings announcement, but buying on dips was strong, and over 70% of stocks on the TSE Prime Market rose. 12345

Dollar rises, yen weakens further, briefly hits 162.39 yen, 40-year low Dollar buying dominated the forex market, and dollar/yen briefly updated to 162.39 yen, a yen weakening level not seen in about 40 years. Although US CPI and PPI showed inflation cooling, yen selling pressure persists due to Japan-US interest rate differentials and geopolitical risks. 6789

PM Takaichi denies 'Honebuto shock', says interest rate rise is due to market factors PM Takaichi, during a party leader debate on the 15th, denied the 'Honebuto shock' theory that a draft of the government's 'Honebuto policy' caused the rise in long-term interest rates. He stated, 'I do not think a draft document that has not yet been cabinet-approved is the cause,' indicating his view that interest rates are determined by various market factors. 10

BOJ releases 2016 minutes on negative interest rate introduction, close decision The BOJ released minutes from the first half of 2016. The decision to introduce negative interest rates in January of that year was a close 5-4 vote, with intense debate over doubts about its effectiveness and side effects. It became clear that even then, there were voices pointing out the difficulty of achieving the price target. 1112

Japan Foreign Trade Council Chairman warns of difficulty using Strait of Hormuz The Japan Foreign Trade Council Chairman Okato, referring to the tense situation in the Middle East, warned that 'the Strait of Hormuz cannot be used for a while.' Surges in crude oil and naphtha prices are pushing up costs for Japanese companies, and there are concerns about impacts on the entire supply chain. 13

BOJ Tankan: manufacturing improves, but service sector faces cost pressure In the BOJ Tankan, business conditions for manufacturing improved. The background is recovery in semiconductor demand. Meanwhile, the service sector is suffering from high labor costs and raw material prices, making the gap in business sentiment between industries clear. 14

Komeda's net profit rises 15% due to Pokemon collaboration Komeda Holdings announced its consolidated results for the March-May 2026 period, with net profit up 15% year-on-year. The popular Pokemon collaboration greatly contributed to an increase in customers, supporting solid performance. 15