This guidance has prompted investors to reconsider the outlook for policy tightening, with growing speculation that the BOJ may deliver more than a single rate increase in 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Technology Shares Drive Nikkei Gains<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Friday\u2019s rally was led by technology names, with chip equipment maker Advantest climbing 1.59% and robotics specialist Fanuc rising 2.68%. The move tracked ongoing strength in the Nasdaq, which continues to benefit from AI-related optimism and easing US inflation pressures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A surprise drop in US core CPI to 2.7% further boosted global risk appetite, even as Federal Reserve officials maintained a cautious tone on the timing and pace of rate cuts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Positive sentiment across the global tech sector also lifted Asian markets more broadly. Equity indices in Taiwan and South Korea both advanced by more than 1%, while Japan\u2019s Topix index edged 0.05% higher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Technical Analysis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Nikkei 225 is consolidating around 49,511, up 0.56% on the session. Despite a loss of momentum since peaking at 52,669 in November, the broader bullish structure remains intact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prices continue to trade comfortably above longer-term support levels, while the 30-day moving average is still sloping higher, indicating that buyers remain in control of the trend.<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.vtmarkets.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/12\/nikkei-19-dec.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHowever, the MACD is showing early signs of bearish divergence, with weakening histogram bars and the MACD line slipping below its signal line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The index has largely moved sideways throughout December, and a decisive break above the 50,000 mark may be required to reignite upside momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the downside, a sustained move below the 47,000\u201346,500 zone could open the door to a deeper correction into early 2026. For now, traders are likely to remain patient as the market tests the boundaries of its current range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bottom Line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What was once viewed as a potential headwind, a BOJ rate hike, is now being interpreted as a signal of orderly policy normalisation rather than economic stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With technology stocks providing strong leadership and the Nasdaq offering supportive global cues, the Nikkei appears well placed heading into year-end, particularly if the BOJ\u2019s tightening cycle remains measured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Open your live VT Markets account\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>and\u00a0start trading today.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Bank of Japan lifted its policy rate to 0.75% on Friday, marking a decisive step away from its long-standing ultra-accommodative stance. Although the move had been largely priced in, markets interpreted the hike as a vote of confidence in Japan\u2019s economic momentum, particularly with core inflation steady at 3.0% and export data beating expectations. Continue Reading<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":92,"featured_media":48095,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-47960","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-analysis"],"acf":{"acf_article_selection_author":null},"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n\t\t