Japan inflation falls below BOJ's 2% target for first time since March 2022

The 1.5% figure ended a run of 45 straight months that the inflation rate has been above the Bank of Japan's 2% target. Government tax relief and fading food costs were expected to push CPI below 2% in 2026.

CNBC • Feb 20, 2026

Japan Inflation Cools, Giving BOJ More Room to Operate

Consumer inflation, excluding volatile fresh food prices, climbed 2.0% in January from a year earlier, compared with December's 2.4% rise.

WSJ • Feb 19, 2026

JGBs Rise, Aided by Slowing Inflation in Japan

JGBs rose in price terms in the morning Tokyo session, aided by government data released earlier showing slowing inflation in Japan.

WSJ • Feb 20, 2026

ETFs to Gain as Japan Pledges to Invest $36B in U.S. Projects

Japan's $36B U.S. investment targets energy, exports and minerals. ETFs like XLE could ride the industrial boost from this landmark pledge.

Zacks Investment Research • Feb 19, 2026

The iShares MSCI Japan ETF Has Surged. What Investors Should Consider Before Buying Now.

The iShares MSCI Japan ETF has been one of the best single-country developed-markets ETFs for over the past several years. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's resounding victory in recent snap elections confirms investors like her economic policies.

The Motley Fool • Feb 16, 2026

Japan's Economy Returns to Growth, Clearing Way for Rate Hikes

Japan's economy ​returned to growth in the final quarter of 2025 despite the hit from U.S. tariffs, giving the central bank room to keep raising interest rates.

WSJ • Feb 16, 2026

Japan ETFs Soar on "Takaichi Trade": Top-Performers in Focus

Japan ETFs rally as "Takaichi Trade" lifts Nikkei to record highs. Stimulus hopes, reform optimism and growth bets drive strong gains across funds.

Zacks Investment Research • Feb 11, 2026

Yen near 160, a record Nikkei 225, higher yields: What experts expect after Sanae Takaichi's landslide victory

A revival of the "Takaichi trade" is likely to be on the table Markets anticipated looser policy, boosting stocks and bond yields.

CNBC • Feb 9, 2026

Bet on These Japanese ETFs as Nikkei Soars to Record High

Japan's Nikkei 225 hits a record as Sanae Takaichi's election win fuels stimulus hopes, lifting investor appetite for Japanese ETFs like EWJ.

Zacks Investment Research • Feb 9, 2026

1 Surprising Reason Why Japanese Stocks Are Going Up

Japan's Nikkei 225 index has outperformed the S&P 500 index in the past five years. Financial regulators in Japan are changing the way Japanese corporations operate, driving investor-friendly reforms.

The Motley Fool • Jan 29, 2026