Major Market News of 2025: Investor Insights into Key Events

On December 24, 2025, Nikkei CNBC released the results of a survey conducted among active investors regarding the most significant market news of the year. The survey, which took place from December 17 to December 22, aimed to determine which news had the most profound impact on the market.

Key Findings of the Survey

The investors were asked, "What news had the most significant impact on the market in 2025?" They were presented with several options and asked to choose one. The responses highlighted various pivotal moments:

- Trump's Tariff Announcement (April): Investors identified the announcement of mutual tariffs by President Trump as a turning point that led to a drastic drop in the Nikkei Average, plummeting by over ¥4,500 within three trading days. Comments from survey participants expressed a mixture of shock and opportunity, as many believed it created a great buying opportunity amidst the chaos.

One investor noted, “The sudden drop was unexpected, yet it made me reconsider my strategies in the market.” Another reflected on the drastic shift in market sentiment, calling it an event that underscored the volatility introduced by algorithm and AI trading.

- The Nikkei Hits 50,000: The Nikkei Average reached a staggering ¥52,411 by the end of October, driven by "Sanna Takai's Trades" and the evolution of AI in the market. Many noted that this milestone had been anticipated a few years down the line, making it a remarkable surprise for investors this year.

An investor remarked, “The achievement felt almost surreal, yet I can see the potential for even higher peaks in the future.”

- Sanna Takai's Historic Appointment: In October, Sanna Takai became Japan's first female prime minister, leading to a noteworthy shift in the market environment. Investors responded favorably to her policies promoting growth and responsible fiscal management, distancing themselves from previous austerity measures.

One comment emphasized the potential long-term effects of her administration: “It feels like a renewed hope for the Japanese economy.”

- Security Breaches in Brokerage Accounts: Investors also expressed concern over increasing incidents of unauthorized access to brokerage accounts, amounting to over ¥710 billion in losses by November. Many comments stressed the urgent need for better security measures and accountability within the financial industry.

- Rising Long-Term Interest Rates: A notable increase in long-term interest rates, peaking at 1.970%, was highlighted by investors, attributed to Takai's proactive fiscal policies and expectations of the Bank of Japan raising rates. Observers noted the need for the public to adjust their expectations in a changing financial landscape.

Looking Ahead

The survey elucidates that 2025 was a year of remarkable transformations in Japan's market landscape. With significant events like the appointment of a female prime minister and external pressures from international trade, investors had much to reflect upon. Collectively, the insights shared by participants underscore an evolving investor landscape, increasingly influenced by shifts in political climate and economic policies.

Nikkei CNBC's program will further discuss these findings during the live broadcast of "Afternoon Express" on December 29 at 2:35 PM. Investors and market watchers are eagerly anticipating insights shared by presenters Kiyoshi Matsumoto and Tomoya Okamura.

To explore more findings, visit the official Nikkei CNBC website.
Nikkei CNBC Official Site

In conclusion, the events of 2025 may set the stage for a redefined market environment in Japan. Stakeholders must remain vigilant and adaptive to navigate this evolving landscape effectively.