Japan Market Daily | Kabutaro & Friends

On April 28, 2026, the Nikkei 225 fell for the first time in three days, closing down 619 yen at 59,917 and dipping below the psychological 60,000 threshold. The decline was triggered by overnight losses in U.S. tech stocks and disappointing earnings from domestic semiconductor leaders. The Bank of Japan decided to maintain its policy rate at 0.75 percent, but Governor Ueda struck a hawkish tone by stating the bank would act appropriately to avoid falling behind the curve on inflation. This prompted the yen to briefly strengthen to the 158 range against the dollar, pressuring stocks. In China, a Politburo meeting emphasized stabilizing the property market and urban renewal. Meanwhile, China reported a 15.5 percent year-on-year increase in industrial profits for the first quarter, signaling a steady recovery despite global geopolitical uncertainties.