Japanese Stocks Drop 2.2%
The Nikkei 225 Index fell 2.2% to below 36,900 on Friday, hitting its lowest level since September and tracking a rout on Wall Street overnight, with technology stocks coming under heavy selling pressure. Trump’s tariff policy changes and escalating global trade tensions have also stoked concerns about economic growth, adding to bearish sentiment. Local equities are also facing pressure from a stronger yen and rising JGB yields.
The moves come as the Bank of Japan is widely expected to continue raising interest rates this year. BOJ Deputy Governor Shinichi Uchida said this week that the central bank could raise rates further if its forecasts are met, signaling that the exit from its extensive monetary easing program is just beginning. Sharp losses were seen across sectors, including Fujikura (-4.5%), Mitsubishi UFJ (-1.6%), Sony Group (-5.5%), Advantest (-2.5%) and Nintendo (-6.6%).
Source: Trading Economics
