Feb 11 • 04:25 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El País

Japan: how the state became the biggest beneficiary of the Nikkei rise

Japan's state became the largest beneficiary of the Nikkei rise, owning 15% of listed shares through its pension fund and central bank.

Japan's stock market surged by 3.9% following Sanae Takaichi's historic victory in the presidential elections, igniting expectations for increased government spending and economic stimulus. This rise in the Nikkei index has significantly benefited the Japanese state, which is the largest individual investor in domestic equities, owning nearly 15% of the total shares listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF), managing assets worth about 1.5 trillion euros, plays a crucial role in this dynamic, enhancing the government's influence in Japan's financial landscape.

The GPIF is notable not just for its size but also for its strategic importance in investment, as it navigates the complexities of Japan's economic recovery and future growth projections. As the country faces ongoing economic challenges, including low growth rates and demographic shifts, the potential policy changes anticipated under Takaichi's administration could stimulate both corporate performance and investor confidence. Enhanced economic activity may further elevate stock valuations, allowing the GPIF and the state to capitalize on bull market conditions.

This scenario paints a broader picture of the intertwined relationship between government policy and market performance in Japan, raising questions about the implications for fiscal responsibility and market independence. As the government positions itself as a leading investor, the long-term effects on equity markets, corporate governance, and the balance between private investment and state influence will be critical to observe as Japan moves forward into a promising yet uncertain economic landscape.

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