Japan Market Daily | Kabutaro & Friends

On April 15, 2026, the Nikkei 225 rose for a second session to close at 58,134 yen, reclaiming the 58,000 level for the first time in six weeks. Market sentiment was lifted by gains in U.S. equities and hopes for a de-escalation of Middle East tensions following President Trump's remarks on potential talks with Iran. Conversely, the IMF lowered its 2026 global growth forecast to 3.1 percent, warning of a potential recession due to prolonged conflict. Supply chain disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz and surging crude oil prices remain significant risks to global stability. In currency markets, the yen remained under pressure as high interest rate expectations in the U.S. and Europe persisted, fueling concerns over cost-push inflation in Japan.