Jun 18, 2025, 13:40 GMT+7
(MT Newswires) -Japanese shares ended higher Wednesday as the Bank of Japan signaled caution over rising inflation but kept the door open for possible rate hikes this year.
The Nikkei 225 rose 0.9%, or 348.41 points, to end at 38,885.15.
While the BOJ's decision to slow its bond stimulus exit signaled caution, it left room for further rate hikes.
Governor Kazuo Ueda cited downside risks from U.S. tariffs but warned that rising food and oil prices, if sustained, could fuel broader inflation, requiring close monitoring.
In economic news, Japan's core machinery orders fell 9.1% in April from March, with non-manufacturing orders down 11.8% and government orders dropping 12.4%. Total machinery orders slipped 2.3%.
Exports declined 1.7% year-on-year in May, the first drop since September 2024, after U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs took effect.
Shipments to the U.S. plunged 11.1% and to China 8.8%, bringing exports to 8.135 trillion yen. Imports fell 7.7% to 8.773 trillion yen, narrowing the trade deficit to 637.6 billion yen.
Japanese manufacturing sentiment also weakened in June, with the Reuters Tankan index falling to plus 6 from plus 8. Firms cited U.S. tariff risks and weak Chinese demand.
The index is forecast to slip further to plus 2 next quarter as tariff talks with the U.S. continue.
On the corporate front, Yodogawa Steel Workssaid its Taiwan unit Sheng Yu Steelrestored systems after April's ransomware attack, with no business disruption. Some personal data may have leaked. Security has been reinforced.
Aisinsaid Toyotaholds 21.4% of its voting rights and accounts for 51.4% of sales. No executives hold dual roles, and Toyota imposes no business restrictions. Terms are set annually.
GSI Creoswill accelerate cross-shareholding cuts, aiming to reduce holdings to 10% of net assets by March 2028. Proceeds will fund growth, infrastructure, and shareholder returns.

Sumber : MT Newswires