Published on 06/19/2025 at 02:47
(MT Newswires) -- Japanese shares ended lower on Thursday as the Federal Reserve kept rates steady and the Israel-Iran conflict pushed oil prices higher on supply fears.
The Nikkei 225 fell 1.02%, or 396.81 points, to end at 38,488.34.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said US goods prices may rise this summer due to President Donald Trump's tariffs, though the Fed still expects to cut rates later this year at a slower pace.
Powell cautioned against overinterpreting forecasts as data could shift.
Meanwhile, tensions remained high after Iran's Supreme Leader rejected Trump's call for unconditional surrender. Trump, asked about joining Israel's strikes on Iran, said "anything could happen."
Brent crude rose 25 cents to $76.70, while WTI gained 30 cents to $75.14 after earlier swings.
On the corporate front, Nippon Steel and its unit Nippon Steel North America completed the takeover of United States Steel after nearly two years of negotiations.
As part of the deal, they entered into a National Security Agreement (NSA) with Washington and issued a golden share to the US government, granting it oversight on key decisions.
Nippon Steel committed to invest $11 billion in US Steel by 2028, maintain US headquarters and management, and preserve domestic production and trade autonomy.
Separately, Tokyo Gas said its LNG procurement remains unaffected by the Iran-Israel conflict, as it does not import from Qatar or the UAE.
The company may increase U.S. LNG imports, which now make up 10% of its supply, for added stability, Reuters reported.
Honda Motor'sunit, Honda R&D, tested its first experimental reusable rocket, reaching 271.4 meters and landing within 37 centimeters of its target. The 6.3-meter rocket demonstrated key technologies for future reusable launch systems.

Sumber : MT Newswires