Japanese shares ended lower on Monday as a Bank of Japan survey showed 85% of households expect prices to rise, while the central bank may potentially raise its inflation forecast this month on stubborn food costs.
The Nikkei 225 declined 0.28%, or 110.06 points, to end at 39,459.62.
About 85% of Japanese households expect prices to rise over the next year, slightly down from 86.7% in March, a Bank of Japan survey showed on Monday.
The central bank is considering raising its inflation forecast for the current fiscal year due to rising food costs, Reuters reported, citing sources. However, it may keep projections for fiscal 2026 and 2027 unchanged.
The BOJ is expected to hold rates steady at its July 30-31 meeting amid uncertainty over the impact of U.S. tariffs and stalled trade talks.
In economic news, Japan's machinery orders rose 3.8% in May, rebounding from April's 2.3% drop. However, core orders excluding ships and utilities slipped 0.6%.
Manufacturing orders fell 1.8%, while non-manufacturing rebounded 1.8% after a steep April drop.
Tertiary industry activity rose 0.6% in May, led by gains in transport, entertainment, and IT services. The index climbed to 104.4 on a seasonally adjusted basis.
Industrial production edged down 0.1% in May. Shipments rose 2.4%, while inventories fell 1.8% for a second month. Operating ratio rose 2% to 105, while production capacity dipped 0.2%. Year-on-year, output fell 2.4%.
On the corporate front, Kioxia Holdings (TYO:285A) will issue up to $3 billion in bonds and repurchase 331 billion yen in preferred shares from DBJ by Aug. 1.
New 447.5 billion yen term loans and a 210 billion yen credit line from major banks will refinance existing debt.
Mac House (TYO:7603) plans to hold over 1,000 BTC, begin mining by November, and launch Bitcoin payments and NFTs. The apparel firm targets 50 billion yen in sales and 5 billion yen in profit.
Renova (TYO:9519) sold 214 million kWh in June, up 23.2% on year but 6% below plan. YTD sales rose 35.4% to 754.8 million kWh. Output curtailments cut projected annual revenue by just 0.112%.
Source: MT Newswires
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