#Japan #Tokyo #US Stocks #Nikkei CNBC #Nasdaq Index

A Comprehensive Look at Recent Trends in US Stock Investments

In a recent survey conducted by Nikkei CNBC, a notable trend has emerged among investors regarding their intentions towards US stock investments. From July 14-21, 2025, 145 active investors participated in an online questionnaire, revealing that 35.2% of respondents are inclined to increase their investments in US stocks. Conversely, 15.2% stated they plan to decrease their holdings. The survey coincides with a period when the Nasdaq and S&P 500 indices reached all-time highs, prompting discussions on the future of US investments.

The Background of the Survey

The survey was conducted amidst increasing speculation about the endurance of the so-called “America-centric” era in investment. With global economic shifts becoming more apparent, many investors are weighing the benefits of diversifying their portfolios beyond US stocks. Nikkei CNBC elucidated that the survey aimed to gather opinions on whether individuals would continue to invest in US markets, particularly in light of recent market indicators and political uncertainties.

During a program aired on July 28, the findings were discussed by Nikkei CNBC’s Chief Commentator Seichi Matsumoto and Anchor Atsushi Naoi. Matsumoto suggested that the varying investment durations among individuals could impact their decisions. Short-term investors expressed concerns over market valuations and potential economic slowdown due to the ramifications of Trump-era tariffs. In contrast, long-term investors showed optimism about tech stocks, indicating a continuing trend of capital inflow into US equities.

Naoi remarked on the surprise element of the results, particularly the majority of respondents leaning toward increasing their investments despite apparent overvaluation and political instability, reflecting a strong confidence in American tech companies.

Investor Insights and Comments

The study also captured a sample of comments from participants expressing their investment strategies:

A Commitment to Increase Investments

1. Milku: "The US economy remains the driving force globally. Though there are signs of shifting dynamics, I firmly believe that the core of the global economy will continue to revolve around the US."
2. Hero Kita: "As GAFA continues to dominate, I predict that other sectors will follow suit. Even as immigration policies evolve, the US's role as a global leader will likely remain untarnished."
3. Santaro: "My focus is primarily on tech stocks. My investment in American tech is not merely because of the country but due to the promising technologies that happen to be based there."

A Hesitation to Reduce Investments

1. M8shima: "Valuation metrics indicate that the market is overpriced, and the tariffs introduced during Trump's administration are contributing to economic slowdown, which concerns me."
2. Anonymous: "I foresee inflation due to tariffs potentially leading to a recession. As inventory levels from recent imports diminish, financial statements will reflect these changes."

A Decision to Maintain Current Investments

1. Alpha D: "Given the strong uncertainty at a global scale, I plan to maintain my current investment levels in US stocks. I will take profits when opportunities arise and slowly increase my holdings during dips."
2. Misty: "If the US economy falls into a recession, I believe it will negatively impact other investments. I’m not confident in finding alternatives that can outperform US stocks during such times."
3. Masasan: "I feel it’s essential to consider the prolonged negative effects of tariffs before increasing my investment ratio."

Choosing Not to Invest in US Stocks

1. B&B: "Compared to US stocks, Japanese stocks are evidently undervalued. Additionally, transaction fees for US stocks are relatively high."
2. Yamada: "I generally avoid mutual funds and ETFs altogether. My focus is on individual stocks, and I lack detailed knowledge about American companies compared to Japanese ones."

Conclusion

Overall, the survey sheds light on the current sentiment among investors toward US stocks. As they grapple with economic uncertainties and market fluctuations, it’s clear that individual strategies will vary based on personal outlooks and investment timelines. The ongoing conversation surrounding the future of investment in the US remains a critical topic in the finance community, and the insights from this survey are invaluable as market trends evolve.

For more details and to view additional comments, visit Nikkei CNBC's official website. Further discussions related to survey results can be found in the show archives on Nikkei CNBC online and the official YouTube channel.