Analysts say a renewed global AI-driven rally and a weaker yen set the stage for catch-up gains in Japanese equities when markets reopen Thursday. Nikkei 225 futures already reflect optimism: the Osaka Exchange December contract trades about 2.5% above last Friday’s cash close. The yen has fallen for a fourth consecutive trading day during the holiday period, refocusing markets on the risk of Japanese government FX intervention. For bond traders the outlook is mixed: uncertainty over the Bank of

Analysts say a renewed global AI-driven rally and a weaker yen set the stage for catch-up gains in Japanese equities when markets reopen Thursday. Nikkei 225 futures already reflect optimism: the Osaka Exchange December contract trades about 2.5% above last Friday’s cash close. The yen has fallen for a fourth consecutive trading day during the holiday period, refocusing markets on the risk of Japanese government FX intervention. For bond traders the outlook is mixed: uncertainty over the Bank of Japan’s policy path offsets any yield relief from softer oil. Vantage Global Prime analyst Hebe Chen says global AI momentum, mildly improved risk appetite and lower oil provide space for a catch-up rally and ease near-term inflation and rate pressure, while yen weakness may boost exporters short term but intervention risk should keep traders cautious.