Market Updates

Japan's Indexes Dropped 2%, JGB Yields Rose to Three-Decade Highs

Akira Ito
20 May, 2026
Tokyo

    Japan's benchmark indexes sharply declined following a global bond market sell-off, and an energy-driven inflation shock reinforced inflation expectations. 

    The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 1.6%, the TOPIX dropped 2%, and the Japanese yen eased to 158.93 against the U.S. dollar.

    The yield on 10-year U.S. Treasury notes inched higher to 4.66% and reached a 16-month high amid worries of rising inflation. 

    The Japanese bonds also came under pressure because the prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, called on the finance ministry to compile a supplementary budget in response to rising commodity prices, fueling debt worries. 

    Global inflationary pressures have intensified over the last two months, following the prolonged disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and inflicting downward pressures on the growth of the oil-import-dependent economies of Asia. 

     

    Japan Indexes and Stocks 

    The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 1.6% to 59,561.26, and the broader TOPIX dropped 2% to 3,774.71. 

    AI-led stocks led decliners in Tokyo amid worries of global stagflation and skepticism about the sustainability of the elevated level of investment in AI-driven data centers. 

    SoftBank Group, Tokyo Electron, Advantest Corp., Lasertec, and Fujikura Ltd. dropped between 3% and 9%. 

    Nippon Yusen KK declined 0.6% to ¥5,586.0, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines dropped 1% to ¥5,760.0, and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd. decreased 0.4% to ¥2,570.50.

Annual Returns

Company Ticker 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008

Earnings

Company Ticker 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008