Japanese stocks rose sharply as the yen weakened further against the dollar, bolstering export-driven sectors. The benchmark Nikkei 225 gained momentum, reflecting investor optimism as a softer yen enhances the competitiveness of Japan’s export-heavy companies. Key players in the automotive and technology industries, such as Toyota and Sony, saw notable gains.
The yen’s slide, reaching its lowest levels in months, is driven by diverging monetary policies between the Bank of Japan and the Federal Reserve. While the BOJ maintains an ultra-loose stance, expectations of continued Fed rate hikes keep the dollar strong. The currency’s depreciation has provided tailwinds for Japan’s equities but raises concerns over higher import costs, particularly in energy. As global investors monitor Japan’s trade balance and inflation data, the yen’s movement remains a focal point for market strategies.