Nikkei Soars Amid US-China Trade Optimism; Toyota Profits Seen Rising Despite Tariff Concerns

May 9, 2025
Nikkei Soars Amid US-China Trade Optimism; Toyota Profits Seen Rising Despite Tariff Concerns
  • The Nikkei 225 index surged by 184 points to reach 36,636.55, driven by optimism surrounding ongoing US-China trade discussions.

  • This optimism is further bolstered by negotiations taking place in Switzerland, which are perceived as a means to alleviate global trade tensions.

  • Japanese automakers, including Toyota, Honda, and Nissan, experienced stock price increases of 2 to 3 percent, reflecting positive market sentiment.

  • Investors are closely watching Beijing's response to a US proposal for tariff talks, amid concerns regarding US 'pressure tactics'.

  • The upcoming earnings report from Toyota will shed light on how manufacturers are managing tariffs and the implications of future trade agreements.

  • Despite a 10% tariff affecting the limited US-UK trade deal, companies like Toyota are successfully navigating these challenges, contributing to overall market resilience.

  • Toyota is anticipated to report a rise in Q4 operating profit, attributed to strong sales, despite concerns regarding the impact of tariffs on annual earnings.

  • However, preliminary data from Japan's Cabinet Office indicated a decline in the leading index, which forecasts future economic activity, falling to 107.7 in March from 108.2 in February, marking the lowest level in four months.

  • Japan's finance minister emphasized that the country's substantial holdings of over $1 trillion in US treasuries would not be used as leverage, countering previous speculation.

  • The Topix Index also rose by 1.46% to 2,738, marking an 11-day rally, the longest since 2017, indicating sustained investor confidence.

  • Conversely, Daikin Industries faced a 5.03% drop, highlighting potential market risks amidst the overall positive trends.

  • In addition to automakers, NTT Data's shares surged by 14% following privatization plans, while Ajinomoto saw a 6.24% increase due to a stock buyback, showcasing strong momentum in Japanese stocks.

Summary based on 3 sources


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Sources

Japanese markets led regional gains, Nikkei up 1.56%


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