The Nikkei average started with a 120 yen depreciation The trade deficit in October was 662.5 billion yen lower than market expectations

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October trade deficit of 662.5 billion yen, deficit range lower than market expectations - slow export growth
Japan's trade balance in October was negative for the first time in two months, with a deficit of 662.5 billion yen. According to market forecasts, a deficit of 731.3 billion yen was expected. Exports increased 1.6% for the second month in a row, but the growth rate declined from the previous month.

The yen fell to the first half of the 151 yen range against the dollar, and yen selling pressure was due to rising US interest rates and stock appreciation
The exchange rate of yen in the Tokyo Foreign Exchange Market on the morning of the 16th was in the first half of the $1 = 151 yen range, devaluing the level from the day before. US interest rates rose and the dollar appreciated due to expectations for a soft landing (soft landing) of the US economy in overseas markets, and the yen fell.

Listed companies had the highest profit of 13% for the fiscal year ending March 31, 24, due to price increases and yen depreciation
The ability of Japanese companies to earn money is increasing. The net profit forecast for listed companies for the fiscal year ending 2024/3 is up 13% from the previous fiscal year and up from a 6% increase as of September. It will be the highest profit for 3 consecutive years. In addition to the tailwind of the depreciation of the yen, price increases have penetrated both domestically and internationally.

Recruit HD - Buyback Rice Value Act is reported to have acquired the company's shares
$Recruit Holdings(6098.JP)$It's a buying trend. Reuters reported on the 15th that it became known that the US investment fund Value-Act Capital has acquired shares of the company and the online travel agency Expedia Group.

Astellas Pharma - Momiai Acquires American Propella Technologies
$Astellas Pharma(4503.JP)$they fight each other. The company announced at 8:30 on the 16th that the company agreed to acquire Propéla through an American subsidiary and concluded an agreement with Propéllas (North Carolina, USA, below, Propell).

Denso targets 7.5 trillion yen in sales for fiscal year 30 and apologizes for recall issues
$Denso(6902.JP)$On the 15th, a policy aiming for 7.5 trillion yen in fiscal 2030, which is a 36% increase in sales compared to fiscal year 22, was clarified. Enhance competitiveness, such as parts compatible with electric vehicles (EVs) and advanced safety functions. President Hayashi Shinnosuke apologized for the prolonged fuel pump recall (collection/free repair) issue, saying “I'm sorry for the concern and inconvenience this may have caused.”

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Distribution source: Nihon Keizai Shimbun, Bloomberg, Traders Web