Market Updates
Japan's Indexes Scaled New Record Highs Ahead of Snap Elections Next Month
Akira Ito
14 Jan, 2026
Tokyo
Japan's benchmark indexes advanced to new record highs as investors held out for expansionary fiscal policy in the months ahead.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average gained 1.4%, and the broader Topix increased 1% amid growing speculation of snap elections next month.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, riding on a popularity wave, is likely to announce a snap election as the ruling alliance looks to strengthen its position in the Diet.
Prime Minister Takaichi has signaled larger fuel subsidies to households, increased government spending, and larger defense expenditure in the new fiscal year.
The yen dropped to a new 2026 low and traded at 159.27 against the U.S. dollar, boosting the profit outlook for Japan's export-driven companies.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average rose 1.4% to 54,299.26, and the broader Topix index advanced 1% to 3,636.70.
Softbank Group decreased 5.4% to ¥4,214.0, Tokyo Electron added 2.6% to ¥42,090.0, and Advantest Corp. gained 5% to ¥23,080.0.
Nippon Yusen gained 1.2% to ¥5,372.0, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines added 0.7% to ¥4,955.0, and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha advanced 0.6% to ¥2,320.0.
Annual Returns
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Earnings
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