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The Nikkei 225 Index climbed 0.5% on Thursday to surpass 36,200, reaching a one-month high as investors looked ahead to the Bank of Japan's latest monetary policy decision. The central bank is widely expected to keep its policy rate steady at 0.5%, as it assesses the possible effects of newly imposed US tariffs on Japan’s export-reliant economy. Japanese shares also took cues from a positive lead on Wall Street , where investors brushed aside recession concerns after the US economy unexpectedly contracted in the first quarter. Adding to market optimism, hopes for progress in US-Japan trade talks gained traction after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent signaled the potential for a deal earlier this week. Notable gains were seen among index heavyweights, including Disco Corp and Nintendo, both up 1.1%, Advantest with a 2.3% rise, Hitachi up 2.1%, and Keyence gaining 1.4%.

Japanese Shares Rise Ahead of BOJ Decision

The AIB Ireland Manufacturing PMI rose to 53.0 in April 2025 from 51.6 in March, marking the strongest expansion since June 2022. The increase was primarily driven by a further acceleration in new order growth, which reached its highest level in three years. During the same period, output also posted its strongest growth in three years, supported by resilient demand conditions, particularly in domestic markets, and relatively robust sales pipelines. Meanwhile, foreign sales declined following solid expansion in the previous month, as softer demand from the U.S. offset increased spending by clients in Asia and Europe.

Irish Factory Activity Growth Hits Over 3-Year High

Exports from South Korea unexpectedly grew by 3.7% yoy to USD 58.2 billion in April 2025, easily beating forecasts of a 1.6% drop, after a downwardly revised 3.0% rise in the prior month, despite the shipment to the US declining, preliminary estimates showed.

South Korea Exports Unexpectedly Rise

Australia's CoreLogic Home Value Index rose 0.3% month-on-month in April 2025, marking the third straight month of growth which added roughly $2,720 to the median value of home prices over the month. All capital cities saw price increases, led by Darwin with a 1.1% rise, while Sydney and Melbourne recorded more modest gains of 0.2%. Despite continued growth, the national pace slowed slightly from March’s 0.4% rise, with sentiment and auction clearance rates weakening over the month. Tim Lawless, research director, noted: “The February rate cut helped spark an upward shift in housing conditions, but the effect of lower rates appears to be waning. Meanwhile, household confidence fell in April amid uncertainty from the US’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariff moves and the upcoming federal election, likely prompting some buyers and sellers to hold off on making decisions.”

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