What Japan’s weekend vote means for markets

Japan will hold Upper House elections this Sunday. While Japanese politics may seem distant, the implications could ripple far beyond Tokyo—especially through the Japanese yen, carry trades, and global risk appetite. With the Bank of Japan (BoJ) in the midst of policy normalization and Japanese yields on the rise, the outcome of Sunday’s vote could shift global asset flows. In this episode, we explore two key election scenarios—whether the ruling LDP keeps its majority or loses it—and what each could mean for Japanese equities, government bonds, and the yen. We also look at the potential for wider global market moves, including possible reactions in the US and Europe. Listen to find out more!