Nikkei Hits Record 43,000 for First Time

TOKYO, Aug 14 (News On Japan) - The Nikkei Stock Average rose for the second consecutive day to reach a new record, surpassing 43,000 yen for the first time on August 14th. The rally was fueled by expectations of a U.S. interest rate cut as early as next month and relief that the worst-case scenario from planned Trump tariffs had been avoided.

However, some individual investors remain cautious. One noted that with a 15% tariff still in place, its impact would continue to be felt, while another pointed out that market movements could shift quickly depending on Trump’s remarks.

Market observers also voiced concern that the rally is overly optimistic, given that corporate earnings have not yet shown tangible improvement.

Takuro Hayashi, head of the Investment Information Center at Iwai Cosmo Securities, said that with a 15% tariff in place, corporate earnings—which are currently a concern—will need to improve, with at least the prospect of higher profits next year, for the market’s gains to be sustained.

Source: TBS

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