Financial Markets

Speculation is growing that authorities may make it easier for companies to list in Hong Kong than in other offshore financial hubs.

Market analysts forecast the benchmark 225-issue Nikkei average to rise to as high as 34,000, a level not seen since March 1990.

The Nikkei has rallied 4.9% this year, driven by fiscal and monetary stimulus as well as optimism over a post-pandemic economic recovery

Shipping stocks topped advancers on the Nikkei 225 Stock Average this year, and commodities-related groups were among the best performers on the Topix.

Nearly 300 companies do not meet the listing standards for the prime section, but they can still be listed on it on a temporary basis.

Rather than cutting capital gains taxes, the prime minister floated the idea of raising them.

COVID-19 infections and deaths at near-record lows and the highest inoculation rate among the G7 countries have also boosted expectations for economic reopening.

By taking effective control of Shinsei Bank Ltd., Yoshitaka Kitao is setting his sights on creating a banking alliance to rival the conservative old guard.

But what can finance — whether public or private — do about climate change? Here are the biggest issues to watch for in the coming year.