Asian equities sees heavy foreign buying after turmoil

Filed under: Equities, Countries & Regions, Japan

The Japanese equities markets were up on Wednesday on heavy foreign buying as the Asian nation’s political turmoil began to ease.

The Nikkei 225 gained 1.7 percent to 12,098.08, its highest close since April 2004, while the Topix index closed 1.8 percent higher at 1,227,85, its highest close in four years.

Foreign buyers seemed to be accepting analysts’ opinions that Japan’s political troubles will not have any significant negative impact on the economy and could in fact be a positive factor in long-term economic growth.

There was also good news on several fronts. Machinery orders were strong, corporate goods price data pointed to an end of deflation, and the Cabinet Office monthly report contained a more positive assessment of the economy.

Foreign investors were especially interested in the machinery, steel, and textile sectors. Nippon Steel gained 1.4 percent to ¥292, and textile manufacturer Unitika was up 1.3 percent to ¥531. Quarterly reports also led to increases in share values. Mitsubishi Materials was up 6 percent on the day to ¥316 on the strength of its quarterly profits, which were reported on Monday.

Japan’s second biggest property developer, Mitsubishi Estate, gained 3.5 percent to ¥1,304 on a positive quarterly report. In the chemicals sector, Showa Denko gained 6 percent to ¥299 on a tripling of profits in the first half.

Retailers were up on the day as well, on reports that the political situation could delay implementation of a hike in the consumption tax. Department store chain Mitsukoshi added 2.7 percent to ¥531.