The Nikkei 225 index has been on a remarkable run in 2021, reaching an all-time high of 33,000 for the first time in 33 years. This bullish rally has been driven by a combination of factors, including the Japanese government’s economic stimulus package, the rise of tech giants, and the country’s strong export market. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the Nikkei’s record-breaking rally and discuss what it means for the future of Japan’s equity market.
Exploring the Bullish Rally in Japan’s Equity Market
The bullish rally in Japan’s equity market has been driven by a number of factors, including the yen’s undervaluation, ample liquidity, and abating inflation globally. In addition, the recent surge in business confidence and the Topix benchmark reaching its highest level since 1990 have further contributed to the rally. The crisis at Credit Suisse has traders questioning the stability of the banking sector, but Japanese lenders are unlikely to be affected. Despite the slowdown in non-China Asian exports, the preliminary PMI survey results for July show that the Japanese economy is still growing. As a result, investors are increasingly looking to Japanese equities to diversify their portfolios and capitalize on the potential for higher returns. With the Nikkei 225 at its highest level in 33 years, there is no doubt that the Japanese equity market is experiencing a major bullish rally.
Unconventional Assets and Regions Attracting Investment
The surge in the Nikkei has been attributed to a number of factors, including the fact that the yen will remain undervalued and that equity markets are being supplied with ample liquidity. In addition, signals of abating inflation globally and concerns in Japan over real wages indicate that loose monetary policy will likely have to continue. Upcoming rate hikes could drive an increase in hedging costs for Japanese investors, redirecting flows into unconventional assets and regions. As a result, investors are increasingly looking to alternative investments such as commodities, private equity, venture capital, and real estate in order to diversify their portfolios and take advantage of the potential for higher returns.
These unconventional assets and regions are becoming increasingly attractive to investors as they offer higher returns and the potential for greater diversification. In addition, the increasing risk of global recession has led investors to seek out investments with a lower correlation to the stock market. This has resulted in an increase in the demand for assets such as gold, which has seen its price climb to all-time highs. Similarly, emerging markets have seen an influx of capital as investors look to capitalize on the potential for higher returns and diversification. With the Nikkei 225 at its highest level in 33 years, investors are increasingly looking to these unconventional assets and regions to protect their portfolios from potential downturns.
Japanese Economy’s Momentum Slows Despite Nikkei High
Despite the Nikkei 225 reaching its highest level in 33 years, the momentum of the Japanese economy has begun to slow. According to the preliminary PMI survey results for July, there has been a significant loss of growth momentum in the Japanese economy. This slowdown is due to a number of factors, including inflation, energy security, and recession risks. In addition, upcoming rate hikes could drive an increase in hedging costs for Japanese investors, redirecting flows into unconventional assets and regions. Despite this, the Topix benchmark has climbed to its highest since 1990 and business confidence hit an all-time high in January 2021. Global portfolio managers have been increasingly bullish on Japan, allocating more cash to this rising market. This is due to the fact that the yen will remain undervalued and that equity markets are being supplied with ample liquidity.
The Nikkei 225’s bullish rally is a testament to the strength of Japan’s equity market and its ability to remain resilient in the face of economic uncertainty. This historic milestone of 33,000 marks an important moment in the country’s financial history and is a sign of the potential for further growth in the future. It is clear that the Nikkei 225 is an attractive investment opportunity and investors should take advantage of this opportunity while it lasts. With the right strategy and a long-term outlook, investors can benefit from this bullish rally and potentially reap the rewards for years to come.