The regional index is virtually unchanged, and is digesting gains that have caused it to rise nearly 10% since early November, when plans to conduct super-expansionary monetary policy were announced in Tokyo. The Tokyo stock exchange, which has gained significantly more since then, is also stable today (the Topix rose slightly, the Nikkei fell slightly). Yesterday's US market shutdown did not inspire strong moves, but the underlying tone is positive. After Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's meeting with President Obama, the Japanese government will announce the appointment of a successor to Governor Masaaki Shirakawa, who will leave office on March 19, just before the expiry of his mandate.
Also in the currency field the situation is stable, both for the euro (1,335) and for the yen (92,66). The Chinese currency is at 6,24, not far from the historical minimum (ie the maximum appreciation) against the dollar, of 6,22, reached on January 30th. Gold still weak (1613) and WTI oil also little changed, at 95,6 $/b.
