Volatile Nikkei Leaves New Investors Anxious

Aug 08, 2024 | News On Japan

TOKYO - The stock market and yen have experienced intense fluctuations in recent days, leading to mixed opinions on whether to buy or sell.

The Nikkei 225 stock average has been highly volatile, with a brief drop of over 900 yen on the 7th, followed by a sharp rise of more than 1,100 yen, ending the day 414 yen higher than the 6th at 35,089 yen.

On the 5th, the Nikkei recorded its largest drop in history with a closing base decrease of 4,451 yen, surpassing the infamous "Black Monday" crash of 1987.

The next day, the Nikkei saw a dramatic recovery, briefly rising over 3,400 yen and achieving the largest one-day gain in its history by the close.

NISA (Tax-Free Small Investment System) users voiced their concerns:

"I am involved in NISA and was very anxious about the sharp decline, unsure whether to be happy about the subsequent rise."

"I feel like I'm being manipulated; it's hard to tell if these fluctuations are normal."

This year, many individuals made their investment debut with the government's new NISA initiative, but some have already given up.

Posts on X (formerly Twitter) reflect the turmoil:

"Everyone around me is panicking. What should I do?"

"I quickly cut my losses with the new NISA."

"I'm quitting the new NISA. I feel betrayed by the government."

Amidst this roller-coaster-like volatility and investor panic, the government remains firm.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno stated, "Regarding the new NISA, even amid market fluctuations like this, we urge people to remain calm and consider the importance of long-term, diversified investment."

Source: ANN

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