Japanese Indices Set New Records Backed by Technology Stocks
Japanese equities extended their rally on Tuesday, hitting record highs thanks to robust performance in the technology sector, following the “Respect for the Aged Day” holiday.
- The Nikkei 225 rose 0.3% to close at 44,902 points, surpassing the 45,000 mark for the first time in history.
- The broader TOPIX gained 0.25% to 3,168 points, reaching an all-time high.
- The yield on Japan’s 10-year government bonds held steady in the bond market at 1.605%.
- The U.S. dollar fell 0.35% against the yen to ¥146.87 in currency trading.
- Semiconductor shares surged, with Sumco up 9%, Disco up 8.25%, and Resonac Holdings up 5.3%.
Attention now turns to the Bank of Japan’s policy meeting this Friday, where rates are expected to remain unchanged, following upcoming decisions from both the Bank of England and the U.S. Federal Reserve
U.S. Senate Confirms Stephen Miran to the Federal Reserve Amid Sharp Division
The U.S. Senate narrowly confirmed Stephen Miran as a member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors on a 48–47 vote.
- Miran will join the Federal Open Market Committee meeting on September 16–17, filling the vacancy that Adriana Kugler resigned last month.
- This is the first time since 1935 that an official has moved directly from the executive branch to the Fed’s board.
- Observers view the move as part of President Donald Trump’s efforts to increase influence within the central bank during a pivotal inflation and interest-rate policy period.
- Though Miran’s term is expected to last only until January, his presence offers Trump added leverage in shaping monetary policy.
Google will invest £5 billion in the U.K. in energy and AI projects.
Google, a subsidiary of Alphabet, announced a major £5 billion ($6.8 billion) investment in the United Kingdom, coinciding with President Trump’s anticipated visit, which is expected to feature new economic agreements.
- Google signed an agreement with Shell to manage a portfolio of carbon-free energy projects in the U.K., including storing surplus clean energy and feeding it back into the national grid.
- The company will also open a new data center in Waltham Cross as part of a two-year plan to support research, development, and engineering projects in artificial intelligence.
- These investments are projected to create around 8,250 jobs annually , strengthening the U.K.’s position as a strategic hub for AI and advanced technology research
Summary
Japan’s stock indices continue to reach historic highs driven by technology stocks, Google commits to massive U.K. energy and AI investments, and the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of Stephen Miran adds political momentum for the Trump administration amid rapidly changing global economic conditions.