December 19, 2024 at 01:50 am EST
(MT Newswires) -- Japanese stocks slipped after the Bank of Japan kept its policy rate at 0.25% in an 8-1 vote, treading carefully amid uncertainty over US President-elect Donald Trump's economic policies.
The Nikkei 225 fell 0.68%, or 265.98 points, to close at 38,815.73.
Dissenting board member Naoki Tamura, known for his hawkish stance, pushed to raise the rate to 0.5%, citing inflation risks, but was overruled. The BOJ meeting came as the US Federal Reserve signaled a slower easing path after a rate cut, dragging global equities lower.
Investors now await Governor Kazuo Ueda's remarks for signals on future hikes, with markets pricing in 46 basis points of BOJ tightening by 2025.
In corporate news, Honda (TYO:7267) and Nissan (TYO:7201) will start merger discussions as early as Dec. 23, Nikkei reported, potentially involving Mitsubishi Motors (TYO:7211).
Renault, holding 36% of Nissan, backs the talks but won't provide additional funds, Bloomberg News reported, as it seeks to stabilize the alliance while protecting its interests.
Marubeni (TYO:8002), Banpu NEXT , and Fuyo Lease (TYO:8424) disclosed plans to launch PrimeMobility, a joint venture offering EV fleet services in Thailand by January 2025.
The initiative aligns with Thailand's goal to reach 30% EV production by 2030, leveraging the partners' expertise in mobility, energy, and leasing.
Sumber : MT Newswires
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