Nikkei gains nearly 20% in 2024.

The Nikkei share average dipped on the final trading day of 2024, retreating from a five-month high as investors took profits after an incredible year where the index rose nearly 20%. It closed down 0.96% at 39,894.54 after peaking at 40,281.16 on Friday, marking its best year-end level since the bubble economy buzz of 1989. The year wrapped up with a 19.22% gain, thanks to a weaker yen and low interest rates, following a whopping 28% increase in 2023.

Fumio Matsumoto, chief strategist at Okasan Securities, pointed out that investors sold stocks today as they found few reasons for the Nikkei to cross the 40,000 threshold. Still, he added that this doesn’t spell doom for the upcoming year; it’s more about avoiding risks during Japan's long New Year holiday break. With markets reopening on January 6, notable movements included Uniqlo's owner Fast Retailing, down 1.59%, and Nissan, which fell 5.73% even after a surge earlier this month. On the flip side, Fujikura soared sixfold this year, becoming the top gainer.

Read more__〆(￣ー￣ )

Fascinated by Japan’s culture and history? Learn the language that brings it all to life. Start now at LearnJapanese.com!