International Spotlight

Business News

Japan: Generating Growth and Happiness.

The world's fourth-largest economy, over the past eight decades Japan has established a reputation as a global leader in high-tech manufacturing and innovation, based on timeless traditions of craftsmanship and quality. Its government committed to boosting growth, encouraging investment and business expansion, and taking the lead in the digital and green transformations.
Business News

Japan: Asia’s Leading Post-Pandemic Economy

If 2023 marked Japan's breakout, 2024 could herald the beginning of a decade-long ascent as Asia's premier investment destination. Clear indicators abound, notably the Nikkei index's historic surge beyond its late 1980s peak, surpassing 40,000 for the first time in history, alongside a significant rise in wages at major firms—the highest percentage increase seen in 33 years.
Business News

Japan: The Technologies of Tomorrow, Here Today

According to Morgan Stanley, nominal growth – which gives a clearer picture of Japan's economy than real growth – reached 5% in 2023, its highest level since 1991. For comparison, Japan's nominal growth averaged just 0.2% between 1995 and 2020. Likewise, inflation has kept above the Bank of Japan's 2% target for the past 18 months, incentivizing businesses and households to switch from saving to investing. Recognising the opportunity, global investors are piling in.
Business News

Japan: Growth and Innovation

What sets Japan's current equity market apart from its previous highs is its significantly increased affordability. As per Goldman Sachs Research, 46% of equities on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's (TSE) Prime Market are presently trading below their book value, a stark contrast to just 5% of their S&P 500 counterparts. Coupled with the TSE's incentives for companies to enhance valuations and earnings, in tandem with Japan's exceptionally low borrowing costs and interest rates, this renders it an attractive playing field for investors.