The Nikkei average started with an increase of 109 yen and slowed to a 2.4% rise in Tokyo consumer prices in March, exceeding the Bank of Japan target for 2 consecutive months

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Tokyo consumer prices slowed to 2.4% rise in March, surpassing the Bank of Japan target for 2 consecutive months
The year-on-year rate of increase in the consumer price index (core CPI excluding fresh food) in the Tokyo metropolitan area in March, which is a leading indicator of prices nationwide, slowed for the first time in 2 months. While the impact of the government's measures to reduce the burden of electricity and gas bills continued from the previous month, the slowing trend in foodstuffs worked in a downward direction.

The ratio of effective job offers fell 1.26 times in February, and the unemployment rate rose to 2.6%
The effective job offer ratio (seasonally adjusted value) for February announced by the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare on the 29th was 1.26 times, down 0.01 points from the previous month. The number of job seekers surpassed the number of job offers and grew. The number of jobs increased by 8.9%. The total unemployment rate for February announced by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications on the same day was 2.6%, up 0.2 points.

Industrial production fell 0.1% in February, lower than market expectations
The preliminary industrial production index for February (2020 = 100, seasonally adjusted) announced by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry on the 29th was 97.9, down 0.1% from the previous month. The transportation machinery industry and automobile industry declined, and it was negative for 2 consecutive months.

Prime Minister “from next year onwards, establish wage increases that exceed prices” fiscal year 24 budget established
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida held a press conference on the 28th in response to the establishment of the 2024 budget and expressed that “wage increases that exceed price increases will definitely be established after 25.” Actual disposable income is expected to turn positive by the end of 24, based on the effects of the income tax cuts in June.

ITOCHU Corporation - Backlash BCG and New Company Proposing Business Improvements Using AI = Nikkei
$ITOCHU(8001.JP)$There was a backlash. The morning edition of the Nihon Keizai Shimbun dated 29th reported that the company will team up with US BCG to start a business proposing business improvements using generative AI etc. to companies.

Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry supports 1 billion yen Toyota and Nissan to develop automotive semiconductors
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry $Toyota Motor(7203.JP)$Ya $Nissan Motor(7201.JP)$One billion yen will be subsidized for the development of advanced semiconductors for automotive use by 12 companies, etc. It is a semiconductor with fast data processing used for autonomous driving, etc., and aims for practical application after 2030. We will hasten the development of advanced products that are in high demand around the world, and enhance industrial competitiveness.

Mizuho Securities supports Maruwa's proposal to enter advisory entry into acquisitions without consent
$Mizuho Financial Group(8411.JP)$Securities has entered into advice on “acquisitions without consent” by listed companies. Serves as an advisor on acquisition proposals to the same industry by AZ-COM Maruwa Holdings, a major logistics company. In the past, there was a strong trend of viewing it as taboo, but it was determined that M&A (mergers and acquisitions) that emphasized various stakeholders (stakeholders) such as shareholders was necessary to revitalize the capital market, and policy was changed.