April 25, 2025 at 02:46 am EDT
(MT Newswires) -- Japanese shares ended higher on Friday after Bank of Japan chief Kazuo Ueda signaled more rate hikes if inflation stays on track, while warning of risks from higher US tariffs.
The Nikkei 225 rose 1.74%, or 609.19 points, to end at 35,648.34.
BOJ governor said interest rates will rise if inflation nears the 2% target but stressed the need to assess risks, including US tariffs, before further moves.
Speaking after the G20 finance meeting in Washington, he said global policymakers broadly agree that tariffs weigh on trade and sentiment.
Ueda plans to factor in these insights ahead of the BOJ's policy meeting next week, where rates are expected to stay at 0.5%.
On the economic front, core inflation in Tokyo rose to 3.4% in April, a two-year high, driven by food price hikes and reduced energy subsidies.
The gain, above the 3.2% forecast, adds pressure on the Bank of Japan as it weighs risks from rising prices and higher US tariffs.
A broader measure excluding fresh food and fuel rose 3.1%, up from 2.2% in March.
Among corporate movers, Nomura Research Instituteposted an 18% rise in full-year profit to 93.8 billion yen, with EPS up to 163.56 yen. Revenue rose 3.8% to 764.8 billion yen.
A final dividend of 34 yen was declared, payable May 30. Interim and year-end dividend targets are set at 35 yen and 39 yen for the current fiscal year.
UMC Electronicswill contest a 3.3 billion yen tax bill in Mexico and has provisionally paid 3.2 billion yen. It plans to challenge the ruling in court.
Kita-Nippon Bank set up Kitagin Capital Partners to support regional firms and business succession. Operations will begin in July.

Sumber : MT Newswires