Japan Market gains after Fed's rate cut

Headline indices of the Japan share market closed mild higher on Friday, 20 September 2019, after trimming early gains amid weaker than expected domestic consumer inflation data and on caution over developments on the U.S.-China trade front following overnight developments. At closing bell, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average advanced 43.87 points, or 0.2%, to 22,088.32, while the broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange added 1.21 points, or 0.07%, at 1,616.87.

Total 19 out of 33 industry category of Topix index fell into negative territory, with Mining, Iron & Steel, Electric Power & Gas, Marine Transportation, and Insurance issues being notable losers, while Precision Instruments, Metal Products, and Pharmaceutical issues were notable gainers.

As mid-level discussions take place this week between China and the U.S. amid an ongoing trade war, new reports indicate that President Trump might be prepared to escalate the situation should an agreement not be reached in the near future. The thirteenth round of high-level negotiations is scheduled to take place in D.C. next month. President Trump said last week a deal would not happen unless it was a good and fair agreement for the U.S.

ECONOMIC NEWS: Japan Consumer Prices Ease To 0.3% On Year In August--Japan consumer prices were up just 0.3% on year in August, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications said on Friday, slowing from 0.5% in July and moving further away from the Bank of Japan's target range of 2%. Core CPI, which excludes volatile food prices, was up an annual 0.5%, easing from 0.6% in the previous month. Individually, prices were up for food, housing, fuel, furniture and clothing; prices were down for medical care, transportation and communications. On a monthly basis, overall inflation was flat and core CPI added 0.1%.

CURRENCY NEWS: The Japanese yen strengthened against greenback on Friday. The Japanese yen, often seen as a safe-haven currency in times of turmoil, traded at 107.86 against the dollar after strengthening from levels above 108.3 in the previous session

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