Tokyo stocks surged nearly 5% Monday followingโค the selection of Sanae Takaichi as the new leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’sโ policy chief, a move signaling a potential shift towards more growth-oriented economic policies. The benchmark Nikkei 225 index โคclosed at 31,856.71, its highest level in over a month.
Takaichi, a conservative knownโ forโค her pro-growthโ stance and support for monetaryโค easing, replaced Hiroshige Seko. Investors reacted positively to her appointment, anticipating policies that could boost corporate earnings and stimulateโ economic activity. Her selection comes as Japan grapples wiht persistent deflationary pressures and seeksโฃ to reignite lasting โeconomic growth.The change in leadership within the LDP, while not guaranteeing immediate policy shifts, is being viewed as a potential โคcatalyst for โฃrenewed economic momentum and โฃa weaker yen, benefiting export-focused companies.
The jump in share prices was broad-based, with sectors including automobiles, technology, and financials leading theโฃ gains. The yen weakened slightly against the dollar, tradingโข at around 149.70 yen, further supporting โexport competitiveness. Analysts suggestโข Takaichi’s emphasisโข on deregulation and structural reforms could also attract foreign investment.
Takaichi previously โขserved as Minister โฃfor Internal Affairs and Communications under formerโ Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and is a vocal advocate for nuclear energy.Her policy positions are expected to align closely with those of Prime minister Fumio Kishida, potentially facilitating the implementation of his economic agenda.โฃ The LDP is expected to announce โฃits full leadership lineup later thisโข week.