The Nikkei 225 index opened slightly higher today (December 25th), in the range of 50,344 to 50,475 points, after Asian markets showed mixed movements in the previous session. Market liquidity tends to remain thin ahead of the Christmas holiday, reflecting a calmer and more cautious trading atmosphere. Market sentiment was influenced by the surge in gold and silver prices, indicating investors' flight to safe-haven assets, as well as positive US economic data that boosted expectations of future interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.

However, the strengthening of the Japanese yen is a significant factor weighing on Japan's export sector, as a stronger yen reduces the competitiveness of Japanese products in the global market. This is a major concern for Japanese market players, although trading volumes tended to be low this session. Overall, market movement is expected to be limited, with the focus on external factors such as geopolitical tensions, global interest rates, and currency movements. Market players will remain vigilant about short-term volatility, with the expectation that trading will return to normal after the holiday. (az)

Source: Newsmaker.id