economy

January 14, 2026

Japanese stocks hit another record high as expectations of snap poll rise

This comes as Japan's ruling LDP under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is expected to call an election in February.

Japanese stocks hit another record high as expectations of snap poll rise

TL;DR

  • Japanese stock indexes (Nikkei 225, Topix) hit record highs on Wednesday.
  • Expectations of a snap election by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi are driving the market.
  • The 'Takaichi trade' involves a weak yen and rising equity markets, anticipating economic stimulus.
  • The Japanese yen weakened past 159 against the dollar, nearing its lowest level since July 2024.
  • Overseas investors tend to buy Japanese stocks around Lower House elections.
  • South Korea's Kospi rose, while Kosdaq fell; Hong Kong's Hang Seng gained, and China's CSI 300 declined.
  • Australia's S&P/ASX 200 saw a slight increase.
  • Spot silver breached the $90 mark, showing significant gains.
  • U.S. major indexes fell due to volatility from President Donald Trump's proposals.

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