Japan's 2025 Trade Deficit Slashed In Half Despite Fall In U.S. Exports

Japan's indexes advanced on Thursday, halting a five-day losing streak amid improving global risk sentiment. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average soared 1.7%, and the broader Topix Index gained 0.8% after Greenland-linked tensions receded. 

The U.S. president said a "framework deal" has been reached between the U.S. and NATO over Greenland, without giving any evidence. 

Markets in Japan rebounded for now in the hopes that the tentative agreement will avoid a wider conflict between the U.S. and the European Union, which could impact global trade. 

Moreover, Japanese bond yields inched lower after the ruling party leaders and government officials talked up the financial outlook and insurance companies stepped up buying. 

Positive sentiment was further supported by a rise in exports for the fifth month in a row in December. 

Overall exports rose 5.1% to 10.4 trillion yen, and imports increased 5.3% to 10.3 trillion yen, driving the trade surplus to 105.7 billion yen, according to the finance ministry.  

For 2025, Japan's imports advanced 0.3% to 113.10 trillion yen, and exports increased to 110.4 trillion yen, driving the trade surplus down 53% to 2.7 trillion yen. 

Japan's trade surplus with the U.S. declined amid sluggish vehicle shipments after the sharp increase in tariffs to 15% from as low as 2.5% a year ago. 

Exports decreased 4.1% to 20.4 trillion yen, driven by an 11.4% fall in value in vehicle shipments. 

The trade surplus declined 12.6% to 7.5 trillion yen after imports advanced 1.6% to 12.9 trillion yen from the world's largest economy.

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average increased 1.7% to 53,688.89, and the broader Topix Index gained 0.8% to 3,617.73. 

Technology stocks led the rebound, and Advantest, Tokyo Electron, and Lasertec gained between 2% and 4%. 

Large banks participated in the market rally, and Mitsubishi UFJ, Sumitomo Mitsui, and Mizuho Group gained between 2% and 3%. 

Japan's 2025 Trade Deficit Slashed In Half Despite Fall In U.S. Exports

Japan's indexes advanced on Thursday, halting a five-day losing streak amid improving global risk sentiment. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average soared 1.7%, and the broader Topix Index gained 0.8% after Greenland-linked tensions receded. 

The U.S. president said a "framework deal" has been reached between the U.S. and NATO over Greenland, without giving any evidence. 

Markets in Japan rebounded for now in the hopes that the tentative agreement will avoid a wider conflict between the U.S. and the European Union, which could impact global trade. 

Moreover, Japanese bond yields inched lower after the ruling party leaders and government officials talked up the financial outlook and insurance companies stepped up buying. 

Positive sentiment was further supported by a rise in exports for the fifth month in a row in December. 

Overall exports rose 5.1% to 10.4 trillion yen, and imports increased 5.3% to 10.3 trillion yen, driving the trade surplus to 105.7 billion yen, according to the finance ministry.  

For 2025, Japan's imports advanced 0.3% to 113.10 trillion yen, and exports increased to 110.4 trillion yen, driving the trade surplus down 53% to 2.7 trillion yen. 

Japan's trade surplus with the U.S. declined amid sluggish vehicle shipments after the sharp increase in tariffs to 15% from as low as 2.5% a year ago. 

Exports decreased 4.1% to 20.4 trillion yen, driven by an 11.4% fall in value in vehicle shipments. 

The trade surplus declined 12.6% to 7.5 trillion yen after imports advanced 1.6% to 12.9 trillion yen from the world's largest economy.

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average increased 1.7% to 53,688.89, and the broader Topix Index gained 0.8% to 3,617.73. 

Technology stocks led the rebound, and Advantest, Tokyo Electron, and Lasertec gained between 2% and 4%. 

Large banks participated in the market rally, and Mitsubishi UFJ, Sumitomo Mitsui, and Mizuho Group gained between 2% and 3%. 

China Stocks Struggled to Stay Above Flatline Ahad of Quarterly Results

Benchmark stock indexes in China and Hong Kong rebounded after geopolitical tensions eased.

The Hang Seng Index erased morning gains and eased to 0.2%, and the CSI 300 Index decreased 0.5% amid receding fears of an imminent U.S. attack on Greenland. 

The U.S. president said a "framework deal" has been reached between the U.S. and NATO over Greenland, without giving any evidence. 

Markets in Asia rebounded for now in the hopes that the tentative agreement will avoid a wider conflict between the U.S. and the European Union, which could impact global trade. 

Moreover, Japanese bond yields inched lower after the ruling party leaders and government officials talked up the financial outlook and insurance companies stepped up buying. 

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.2% to 26,541.39, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index fell 0.5% to 4,701.22. 

Gold edged down 0.6% to $4,799.40 an ounce after the receding tensions linked to Greenland calmed investor nerves. 

Technology stocks continued to trade sideways as risk sentiment remained depressed. 

Electric vehicle makers and technology platform operators led gainers, and Alibaba Group, Baidu, Li Auto, Meituan, and JD.com gained between 0.3% and 4%. 

Among the decliners, Zijin Mining Group, Zijin Gold, China Vanke, Henderson Land, Xiaomi, and SMIC decreased between 0.4% and 2.2%. 

China Stocks Struggled to Stay Above Flatline Ahad of Quarterly Results

Benchmark stock indexes in China and Hong Kong rebounded after geopolitical tensions eased.

The Hang Seng Index erased morning gains and eased to 0.2%, and the CSI 300 Index decreased 0.5% amid receding fears of an imminent U.S. attack on Greenland. 

The U.S. president said a "framework deal" has been reached between the U.S. and NATO over Greenland, without giving any evidence. 

Markets in Asia rebounded for now in the hopes that the tentative agreement will avoid a wider conflict between the U.S. and the European Union, which could impact global trade. 

Moreover, Japanese bond yields inched lower after the ruling party leaders and government officials talked up the financial outlook and insurance companies stepped up buying. 

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.2% to 26,541.39, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index fell 0.5% to 4,701.22. 

Gold edged down 0.6% to $4,799.40 an ounce after the receding tensions linked to Greenland calmed investor nerves. 

Technology stocks continued to trade sideways as risk sentiment remained depressed. 

Electric vehicle makers and technology platform operators led gainers, and Alibaba Group, Baidu, Li Auto, Meituan, and JD.com gained between 0.3% and 4%. 

Among the decliners, Zijin Mining Group, Zijin Gold, China Vanke, Henderson Land, Xiaomi, and SMIC decreased between 0.4% and 2.2%. 

U.S. Indexes Attempted to Look Beyond Trump's Greenland Threats

Stocks on Wall Street extended losses for the second day in a row amid rising trade frictions and deepening rhetoric over Greenland. 

The S&P 500 decreased 0.2%, the Nasdaq Composite declined 0.3%, and the yield on 10-year U.S. Treasury notes rose to 4.31%.  

Market sentiment took another hit after the U.S. president doubled down on his threats to "purchase" Greenland, prompting a terse and firm response from the European Commission president, Ursula Von der Leyen. 

"Our response will be unflinching, united, and proportional," said Von der Leyen at an annual gathering of top business leaders in Davos, Switzerland. 

French president Emmanuel Macron said that Europe can restrict access to the single market of Europe to the U.S. companies in the event the U.S. proceeds with the threatened 25% tariffs. 

Rising geopolitical tensions drove gold higher for the second consecutive session and extended 2-day gains to nearly 10%. 

U.S. Movers 

Netflix dropped 7% to $80.99 after the streaming service provider reported weaker-than-expected revenue and earnings in the latest quarter. 

December quarter revenue rose to $12.05 billion, and earnings per share advanced to 56 cents. 

United Airlines Holdings rose 2.1% to $112.05 after the international carrier estimated strong earnings growth in 2026. 

The company said adjusted earnings per share in 2026 are expected to fall to between $12 and $14. 

Progress Software soared 17% to $45.52 after the company issued positive guidance for the first quarter. 

The business application software company estimated revenue to fall between $244 million and $256 million and diluted earnings per share between $1.56 and $1.62. 

U.S. Indexes Attempted to Look Beyond Trump's Greenland Threats

Stocks on Wall Street extended losses for the second day in a row amid rising trade frictions and deepening rhetoric over Greenland. 

The S&P 500 decreased 0.2%, the Nasdaq Composite declined 0.3%, and the yield on 10-year U.S. Treasury notes rose to 4.31%.  

Market sentiment took another hit after the U.S. president doubled down on his threats to "purchase" Greenland, prompting a terse and firm response from the European Commission president, Ursula Von der Leyen. 

"Our response will be unflinching, united, and proportional," said Von der Leyen at an annual gathering of top business leaders in Davos, Switzerland. 

French president Emmanuel Macron said that Europe can restrict access to the single market of Europe to the U.S. companies in the event the U.S. proceeds with the threatened 25% tariffs. 

Rising geopolitical tensions drove gold higher for the second consecutive session and extended 2-day gains to nearly 10%. 

U.S. Movers 

Netflix dropped 7% to $80.99 after the streaming service provider reported weaker-than-expected revenue and earnings in the latest quarter. 

December quarter revenue rose to $12.05 billion, and earnings per share advanced to 56 cents. 

United Airlines Holdings rose 2.1% to $112.05 after the international carrier estimated strong earnings growth in 2026. 

The company said adjusted earnings per share in 2026 are expected to fall to between $12 and $14. 

Progress Software soared 17% to $45.52 after the company issued positive guidance for the first quarter. 

The business application software company estimated revenue to fall between $244 million and $256 million and diluted earnings per share between $1.56 and $1.62. 

Japan's Indexes Extended 5-Day Losses to 2%

Japan's stock indexes decreased for the fifth session in a row amid growing domestic political anxieties and geopolitical uncertainties.

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 0.5%, the broader Topix declined 0.9% to 3,591.49, and the yen hovered closer to 159 against the U.S. dollar.

Japanese government bond yields rose to 2.35% after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's proposal to lower sales tax on food to 8% supported worries of growing fiscal imbalance. 

Market anxieties were compounded by the increasing tone of aggressive rhetoric from the U.S. president over Greenland. The European leaders are set to announce their countertrade measures in response to threats of aggressive U.S. trade restrictions. 

Meanwhile, the Bank of Japan is widely anticipated to hold rates steady at the end of the policy later in the week. 

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

Broader market indexes dropped following a sharp decline in stocks in New York in overnight trading. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 0.5% to 52,752.45, and the broader Topix Index dropped 0.9% to 3,591.49. 

Softbank Group, Tokyo Electron, and Advantest Corp. fell between 0.5% and 2%. 

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial, and Mizuho Financial declined between 1% and 4%.  

Japan's Indexes Extended 5-Day Lo

Japan's stock indexes decreased for the fifth session in a row amid growing domestic political anxieties and geopolitical uncertainties.

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 0.5%, the broader Topix declined 0.9% to 3,591.49, and the yen hovered closer to 159 against the U.S. dollar.

Japanese government bond yields rose to 2.35% after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's proposal to lower sales tax on food to 8% supported worries of growing fiscal imbalance. 

Market anxieties were compounded by the increasing tone of aggressive rhetoric from the U.S. president over Greenland. The European leaders are set to announce their countertrade measures in response to threats of aggressive U.S. trade restrictions. 

Meanwhile, the Bank of Japan is widely anticipated to hold rates steady at the end of the policy later in the week. 

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

Broader market indexes dropped following a sharp decline in stocks in New York in overnight trading. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 0.5% to 52,752.45, and the broader Topix Index dropped 0.9% to 3,591.49. 

Softbank Group, Tokyo Electron, and Advantest Corp. fell between 0.5% and 2%. 

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial, and Mizuho Financial declined between 1% and 4%.  

Rising Geopolitical Tensions Dragged Down China Stocks

Stocks in China extended their recent decline amid rising geopolitical tensions and earnings jitters. 

The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.2%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index gained 0.3% amid worries that trade tensions between the U.S. and the European Union could flare up. 

In addition, stocks were under pressure after Japanese bond yields edged higher to 2.35% amid worries that the proposed decrease in sales tax on food could worsen Japan's fiscal position.  

A Danish pension fund said it plans to sell its U.S. Treasury holdings, following the persistent calls by the U.S. president to "purchase" Greenland. 

Tensions are running high in the European Union, as leaders discuss possible trade retaliation and ramp up military exercises to prevent the U.S. incursion in Greenland. 

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.2% to 26,447.78, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index added 0.3% to 4,734.09. 

Among the most actively traded stocks, Baidu, Alibaba Group, Meituan, Anta Sports, CK Infrastructure, and NetEase dropped between 0.9% and 5%. 

Rising Geopolitical Tensions Dragged Down China Stocks

Stocks in China extended their recent decline amid rising geopolitical tensions and earnings jitters. 

The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.2%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index gained 0.3% amid worries that trade tensions between the U.S. and the European Union could flare up. 

In addition, stocks were under pressure after Japanese bond yields edged higher to 2.35% amid worries that the proposed decrease in sales tax on food could worsen Japan's fiscal position.  

A Danish pension fund said it plans to sell its U.S. Treasury holdings, following the persistent calls by the U.S. president to "purchase" Greenland. 

Tensions are running high in the European Union, as leaders discuss possible trade retaliation and ramp up military exercises to prevent the U.S. incursion in Greenland. 

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.2% to 26,447.78, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index added 0.3% to 4,734.09. 

Among the most actively traded stocks, Baidu, Alibaba Group, Meituan, Anta Sports, CK Infrastructure, and NetEase dropped between 0.9% and 5%. 

U.S. Tariff Threats Return With Greenland Vengeance

Stocks on Wall Street fell sharply amid rapid escalation in trade tensions between the U.S. and the European Union. 

The S&P 500 index and the Nasdaq Composite declined around 1.5% after a week of hectic trading, and investors weighed two inflation reports against earnings optimism. 

The U.S. president proposed to increase tariffs to 200% on French wines and other goods after the French president reportedly urged European leaders to offer a unified response to Trump's threats to "purchase" Greenland. 

Moreover, Trump threatened additional 10% tariffs on British goods after the UK agreed to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.  

The island hosts a joint U.S.-UK military base, and the transfer was previously approved by the Trump administration.  

On Tuesday, gold and silver hit fresh new highs in New York, London, and Shanghai amid rising geopolitical tensions after the U.S. president intensified his threats to "purchase" Greenland and slapped additional tariffs on European allies. 

In the holiday-shortened week, about 90 U.S. companies are set to release their quarterly results, including earnings updates from Netflix, GE Aerospace, Schlumberger, Intel, Proctor & Gamble, and Johnson & Johnson. 

U.S. Tariff Threats Returns With Greenland Vengence

Stocks on Wall Street fell sharply amid rapid escalation in trade tensions between the U.S. and the European Union. 

The S&P 500 index and the Nasdaq Composite declined around 1.5% after a week of hectic trading, and investors weighed two inflation reports against earnings optimism. 

The U.S. president proposed to increase tariffs to 200% on French wines and other goods after the French president reportedly urged European leaders to offer a unified response to Trump's threats to "purchase" Greenland. 

Moreover, Trump threatened additional 10% tariffs on British goods after the UK agreed to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.  

The island hosts a joint U.S.-UK military base, and the transfer was previously approved by the Trump administration.  

On Tuesday, gold and silver hit fresh new highs in New York, London, and Shanghai amid rising geopolitical tensions after the U.S. president intensified his threats to "purchase" Greenland and slapped additional tariffs on European allies. 

In the holiday-shortened week, about 90 U.S. companies are set to release their quarterly results, including earnings updates from Netflix, GE Aerospace, Schlumberger, Intel, Proctor & Gamble, and Johnson & Johnson. 

Takaichi Seeks Voter Approval for National Economic and Defense Agenda

Japan's benchmark indexes fell for the fourth consecutive session as political uncertainty weighed on market sentiment. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average fell 1.2%, the broader Topix Index decreased 0.9%, and the Japanese yen hovered at 158.02 against the U.S. dollar. 

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced the dissolution of parliament on Friday and called a snap election on February 8 to secure voter backing for her broader national budget and security agenda, including the spending plan, immigration policy, and defense priorities. 

Market sentiment remained cautious in Tokyo and Asia as the U.S. president threatened Greenland-linked tariffs on eight European allies starting as early as February 1. 

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 1.2% to 52,926.48, and the Topix Index eased 0.9% to 3,623.51. 

Technology and diversified manufacturing companies led decliners in Tokyo trading. 

Softbank Group Corp. decreased 3.3% to ¥3,848.0, Tokyo Electron fell 3.2% to ¥40,840.0, and Advantest Corp. declined 3.2% to ¥21,505.0. 

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group decreased 0.5% to ¥2,937.0, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group eased 0.4% to ¥5,648.0, and Mizuho Financial Group was unchanged at ¥6,856.0. 

IHI Corp. added 2.6% to ¥3,628.0, Kawasaki Heavy dropped 1.4% to ¥14,345.0, and Mitsubishi Heavy decreased 0.9% to ¥4,837.0.

Japan TUESDAY

Japan's benchmark indexes fell for the fourth consecutive session as political uncertainty weighed on market sentiment. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average fell 1.2%, the broader Topix Index decreased 0.9%, and the Japanese yen hovered at 158.02 against the U.S. dollar. 

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced the dissolution of parliament on Friday and called a snap election on February 8 to secure voter backing for her broader national budget and security agenda, including the spending plan, immigration policy, and defense priorities. 

Market sentiment remained cautious in Tokyo and Asia as the U.S. president threatened Greenland-linked tariffs on eight European allies starting as early as February 1. 

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 1.2% to 52,926.48, and the Topix Index eased 0.9% to 3,623.51. 

Technology and diversified manufacturing companies led decliners in Tokyo trading. 

Softbank Group Corp. decreased 3.3% to ¥3,848.0, Tokyo Electron fell 3.2% to ¥40,840.0, and Advantest Corp. declined 3.2% to ¥21,505.0. 

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group decreased 0.5% to ¥2,937.0, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group eased 0.4% to ¥5,648.0, and Mizuho Financial Group was unchanged at ¥6,856.0. 

IHI Corp. added 2.6% to ¥3,628.0, Kawasaki Heavy dropped 1.4% to ¥14,345.0, and Mitsubishi Heavy decreased 0.9% to ¥4,837.0.

Japan TUESDAY

Japan's benchmark indexes fell for the fourth consecutive session as political uncertainty weighed on market sentiment. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average fell 1.2%, the broader Topix Index decreased 0.9%, and the Japanese yen hovered at 158.02 against the U.S. dollar. 

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced the dissolution of parliament on Friday and called a snap election on February 8 to secure voter backing for her broader national budget and security agenda, including the spending plan, immigration policy, and defense priorities. 

Market sentiment remained cautious in Tokyo and Asia as the U.S. president threatened Greenland-linked tariffs on eight European allies starting as early as February 1. 

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 1.2% to 52,926.48, and the Topix Index eased 0.9% to 3,623.51. 

Technology and diversified manufacturing companies led decliners in Tokyo trading. 

Softbank Group Corp. decreased 3.3% to ¥3,848.0, Tokyo Electron fell 3.2% to ¥40,840.0, and Advantest Corp. declined 3.2% to ¥21,505.0. 

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group decreased 0.5% to ¥2,937.0, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group eased 0.4% to ¥5,648.0, and Mizuho Financial Group was unchanged at ¥6,856.0. 

IHI Corp. added 2.6% to ¥3,628.0, Kawasaki Heavy dropped 1.4% to ¥14,345.0, and Mitsubishi Heavy decreased 0.9% to ¥4,837.0.