Japan Market Daily | Kabutaro & Friends

On April 30, 2026, the Nikkei 225 fell by 321 yen to close at 59,596 as geopolitical risks resurfaced following President Trump's rejection of Iran's ceasefire proposal and his remarks on maintaining the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. In the bond market, Japan’s 10-year government bond yield reached a 27-year high of 2.515 percent amid fears of re-accelerating inflation. The yen remained under pressure, hovering near the 160 range against the dollar. Meanwhile, China's official manufacturing PMI for April came in at 50.3, staying in expansion territory for the second consecutive month. However, global markets ended the month on a cautious note as surging crude oil prices, with WTI hitting 108 dollars, intensified concerns over supply-side inflation and potential interest rate hikes in the U.S. and Europe.