SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF

SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust

Invesco QQQ Trust Series 1

Tilray Brands, Inc. engages as a consumer packaged goods company, which focuses on medical cannabis research and the cultivation, processing, and distribution of cannabis products worldwide. It operates through the followings segments: Cannabis, Distribution, Beverage, and Wellness. The Cannabis segment focuses on cultivation, production, distribution, and sale of both medical and adult-use cannabis products. The Distribution segment is involved in purchase, resale, and distribution of pharmaceutical and wellness products. The Beverage segment refers to the production, marketing, and sale of beverages. The Wellness segment represents the production, marketing, and distribution of hemp-based food and other wellness products. The company was founded on January 24, 2018 and is headquartered in Leamington, Canada.

Tilray Brands Inc

Tilray is trending amid speculation that cannabis rescheduling may be imminent, with some anticipating a resulting sector-wide surge. The community is actively discussing the potential impact of a presidential executive order on tax relief and banking access. Some investors are optimistic about a short squeeze, while others remain cautious due to the company's history.

ARB IOT Group Ltd. is a holding company that engages in the provision of solutions for the integration of IoT systems and devices. It operates through the Internet of Things and Investment Holding and Others segments. The company was founded on March 1, 2022 and is headquartered in Singapore.

ARB IOT Group Ltd

ARBB is trending due to speculation of a potential short squeeze, driven by its low float and recent AI deal. Community members are actively discussing key breakout levels and anticipating a significant price surge. The stock is drawing comparisons to other low-float runners, fueling excitement around potential for substantial gains.

NuScale Power Corp. provides proprietary and innovative advanced small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear technology, with a mission to help power the global energy transition by delivering safe, scalable, and reliable carbon-free energy. Its products include VOYGR SMR Plants and Energy Exploration (E2) Centers. The company was founded by José N. Reyes in 2007 and is headquartered in Corvallis, OR.

NuScale Power Corporation - Ordinary Shares - Class A

NuScale Power Corp

NuScale Power ($SMR) is trending due to discussions around its potential role in powering AI data centers and a recent agreement with the Tennessee Valley Authority, though concerns persist around its financial performance and Fluor's stake monetization. The community is weighing the company's regulatory advantages and the increasing need for SMR technology against factors like potential share dilution and competition in the sector. Recent analyst target price reductions and overall nuclear sector bearishness may also be contributing to the conversation.

Aurora Cannabis, Inc. engages in the production, distribution, and sale of cannabis and cannabis-derivative products. It operates through the Cannabis and Plant Propagation segments. The company was founded by Terry Booth and Steve Dobler on December 21, 2006 and is headquartered in Edmonton, Canada.

Aurora Cannabis Inc

Aurora Cannabis is trending amidst reports that Trump may consider rescheduling marijuana, potentially affecting taxation and medical access. The community is discussing the potential impact of this policy change and whether it will be a "sell the news" event. Scanners continue to light up as cannabis tickers show increased interest in response to the news.

Rivian Automotive, Inc. engages in the design, development, and manufacture of category-defining electric vehicles and accessories. It operates through following segments: Automotive, Software and Services. The company was founded by Robert J. Scaringe in June 2009 and is headquartered in Irvine, CA.

Rivian Automotive Inc - Ordinary Shares - Class A

Rivian Automotive Inc

Rivian is trending due to positive reactions to its AI and autonomy day, with discussions focusing on the potential of its new in-house AI chip and self-driving capabilities. The community is weighing the company's advancements against competitors like Tesla and speculating on a possible short squeeze. Some investors are concerned about cash burn and the timeline for seeing returns on these new technologies.

BridgeBio Pharma, Inc. engages in identifying and advancing transformative medicines to treat patients who suffer from Mendelian diseases. Its pipeline of development programs includes product candidates ranging from early discovery to late-stage development. The company was founded by Charles Homcy, Francis Patrick McCormick, Philip Reilly, and Neil Kumar in 2015 and is headquartered in Palo Alto, CA.

BridgeBio Pharma Inc

BBIO is trending due to analyst upgrades and positive sentiment around the launch of Attruby, with the community actively discussing its potential to outperform competitors and the impact of upcoming Phase 3 readouts. Community members are weighing its growth potential in the context of a potentially undervalued biotech, while also considering the potential for acquisition by a major pharmaceutical company. Actionable trade alerts highlight possible entry and exit points based on technical analysis.

Gunz

Gunz ($GUN) is trending amid community excitement about potential breakouts and large whale buys, with some eyeing a return to all-time highs. The token is also getting attention due to its association with the Off The Grid (OTG) web3 game on the Avalanche network ($AVAX), leading to discussions about its tokenomics and potential for quick gains.

Advisorshares Trust - AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF

AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF

MSOS is trending as speculation mounts around potential federal cannabis policy changes, specifically regarding rescheduling. Community chatter revolves around whether an executive order will materialize, with some anticipating a significant sector-wide surge while others remain cautiously optimistic due to past disappointments. The ETF's exposure to US cannabis companies positions it to potentially benefit from any regulatory easing.

AST Spacemobile, Inc. engages in building a broadband cellular network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on an extensive IP and patent portfolio. It focuses on providing mobile broadband services with global coverage to all end-users, without the need to purchase special equipment. The company was founded by Abel Avellan on May 31, 2017 and is headquartered in Midland, TX.

AST SpaceMobile Inc - Ordinary Shares - Class A

AST SpaceMobile Inc

AST SpaceMobile is trending due to the upcoming launch of BlueBird 6, marking a significant step towards a launch cadence of approximately every 45 days in 2026; this represents a shift from concept to operational deployment. The community is buzzing about the potential for a Starlink competitor and the company's long-term prospects, with some highlighting the high short interest and potential for a squeeze.

lululemon athletica, Inc. engages in the business of designing, distributing, and retailing technical athletic apparel, footwear, and accessories. It operates through the following segments: Company-Operated Stores, Direct to Consumer, and Other. The company was founded by Dennis James Wilson in 1998 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.

Lululemon Athletica inc.

Lululemon Athletica Inc

Lululemon is trending amid a leadership transition as the CEO steps down, sparking speculation about a strategy shift. A recent earnings beat and a substantial share buyback program are fueling bullish sentiment, although some express concerns about margin pressure and softness in the Americas. Community members are actively discussing the potential for a turnaround, especially with the brand's strong international growth.

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<ul class="summary-bullets"><li>Japan, with its zero-interest rates and massive liquidity, has served as a major funding source for global carry trades.</li><li>According to estimates, Japanese institutions now hold about $1.1 trillion in U.S. Treasuries, the largest foreign position.</li><li>Businessman and author&nbsp;Robert Kiyosaki said, “The biggest crash into history began over Thanksgiving,” with Japan signaling its intention to raise rates.</li></ul>Japan has once again sparked panic among U.S. investors, even as they are grappling with a raft of domestic headwinds. The Bank of Japan (BoJ), which maintained its interest rates at near-zero to negative levels for more than two decades, may have chosen an inopportune time to restart its rate-hike chatter.When the Japanese central bank began raising interest rates from negative to 0-0.25% in March 2024, marking the first increase in 17 years, and then raised them further to around 0.25% in July 2024, the domestic and global markets took a tumble.The global markets could be witnessing a deja vu. Why does a Japanese rate hike create a ripple in the U.S. markets, impacting riskier bets across the board?On Aug. 5, 2024, the S&amp;P 500, a measure of broader market performance, fell 3% after Japan’s Nikkei 225 Average slumped 12%, marking the worst day since the Black Monday crash in 19867. Fears concerning the unwinding of carry trades were blamed for the sell-off.<h2 class="st-heading-2">What Are Carry Trades?</h2>For decades, Japan's zero-rate policy made the yen one of the cheapest funding currencies on earth.&nbsp;Some of investors' favorite plays were to borrow in yen at near-zero rates, invest in higher-yielding assets (like U.S. stocks or Treasuries), and pocket the spread. This “carry trade” actually carries a lot of weight.Japan,&nbsp;in fact, pursued an ultra-easy monetary policy since the start of the century, inspiring a flourishing carry trade. When the underlying currency strengthens, there is less incentive to put it to work, leading to unwinding of positions. This, in turn, results in a large-scale sell-off.As author and businessman Robert Kiyosaki&nbsp;<a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/theRealKiyosaki/status/1994910053539917997">put</a> it bluntly on X: "The Japanese 'carry trade' blew the assets of the world into the biggest bubble in the world." Put simply, a surge in JGB yields threatens that entire structure. If borrowing costs in Japan rise, the math behind the carry trade no longer makes much sense, and capital can rush out of America.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;BoJ Interest Rates Trajectory<img src="https://news.stocktwits-cdn.com/Japan_interest_rate_png_86727c1213.webp" alt="Japan interest rate.png">&nbsp;Source: TradingViewJapan held a net $3.62 trillion in overseas stocks and bonds at the end of June, Reuters&nbsp;<a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/currencies/japanese-yens-safe-haven-illusion-shatters-2025-11-19/">reported,</a> citing IMF data. An August 2024 report from JPMorgan&nbsp;<a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://am.jpmorgan.com/content/dam/jpm-am-aem/global/en/insights/eye-on-the-market/there-is-no-place-like-home-amv.pdf">stated</a> that a negative policy rate in Japan enticed Japanese households, pension plans, state-owned banks, and the BoJ to create a $20 trillion carry trade. Japan used its low-cost borrowing rate to invest in overseas assets and longer-term domestic assets.<h2 class="st-heading-2">JGB Yields Spiral Higher</h2>On Monday, the yield of Japanese government bonds, called JGBs, spiked across the curve, with Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda’s comments on the monetary policy trajectory triggering the rise. While speaking to business leaders in the city of Nagoya, Ueda said the mechanism by which both wages and prices rise moderately has been restored and that the central bank is actively collecting information on companies' wage-raising intentions,&nbsp;<a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://asia.nikkei.com/business/markets/bonds/2-year-japan-government-bond-yields-rise-above-1-on-boj-hike-speculation">according</a> to Nikkei.&nbsp;The BoJ will “consider the pros and cons of raising the policy interest rate and make decisions as appropriate,” Ueda said.A Reuters report stated that the odds of a rate hike at the Dec. 18-19 BoJ Monetary Policy Committee meeting have risen to 80%, up from 60% last week.The 10-year JGB yield was last seen trading up 3.77% to 1.87%, marking the highest level in more than 17 years. The 2-year bond yield jumped 5.03% to 1.023%, its highest level since June 2008.<img src="https://news.stocktwits-cdn.com/Screenshot_2025_12_01_at_2_48_07_AM_png_f9c52053af.webp" alt="Screenshot 2025-12-01 at 2.48.07 AM.png">Markets ReactJapan’s main stock market gauge, the Nikkei 225 average, shed nearly 2% on Monday, which happens to be the first trading session of December, as domestic rate-hike chatter sent the yen higher against major global currencies and bond yields higher.Against this backdrop, the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/SPY">SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF (SPY)</a> and the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/QQQ">Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ)</a>, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that track the S&amp;P 500 and Nasdaq 100 Indices, fell 0.55% and 0.67%, respectively, in Monday's premarket session. The major index futures were also lower early Monday.For the year, the SPY, QQQ, and the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/EWJ">iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ)</a> have gained 17.6%, 21.6%, and 24.7%, respectively.&nbsp;<h2 class="st-heading-2">Fed To Go The Other Way?</h2>The Federal Reserve is widely expected to cut the Fed funds rate by a quarter point at its rate-setting meeting scheduled for Dec. 9-10. The central bank has already cut rates by the same magnitude twice this year. The Trump administration is pressuring the central bank to reduce rates further to reinvigorate the domestic economy, which is facing multiple challenges, including a bloated fiscal deficit, a stuttering job market and inflation that stays above the central bank target.Also, at the October meeting, the Fed stated that it would end its quantitative tightening (QT), a stance that would allow it to shrink its balance sheet by allowing bonds to mature without reinvesting the proceeds.&nbsp;<a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.mfs.com/en-gb/institutions-and-consultants/insights/market-insights/fed-ends-qt-what-it-means-markets.html">According</a> to MFS Investment Management, the end of QT would exert downward pressure on the dollar.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Will Seasonality Provide Thrust?</h2>Despite uncertainties, the U.S. market is entering one of its seasonally strong periods, following a robust performance so far this year. The year-end rally, referred to as the “Santa Claus rally,” is attributed to year-end tax strategies and portfolio rebalancing, end-of-the-year bonus deployment and to some extent to the holiday cheer.&nbsp;The S&amp;P 500 Index, a measure of broader market performance, has gained 16.5% this year, with megacap tech stocks exposed to artificial intelligence (AI) powering much of the advance. The index is trading just 1% below its all-time high. That said, year-end gains are not a given. AI skepticism has been building up, causing a reversal in some of the high-flying exposed names, and macro and geopolitical uncertainties abound.&nbsp;For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/nvda-vs-aapl-vs-googl-vs-msft-which-megacap-will-end-2025-as-most-valued-company/cL5eoJUREhW">NVDA vs. AAPL vs. GOOGL vs. MSFT: Which Megacap Will End 2025 As Most Valued Company? Retail Backs Nvidia Despite Recent Headwinds</a>

Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange during morning trading on November 17, 2025, in New York City. 

The Quiet Surge In Japanese Yields Is Anything But Local — And Investors In US Stocks May Feel It Soon

The Japanese 10-year bond yield has risen to levels not seen in more than 17 years. 

Equity

Worried About US Market Volatility? Explore These Japanese ETFs

Keep Japanese ETFs like EWJ, DXJ, and EWJV in your watchlist as investors pivot from volatile U.S. markets to Japan's surging equities.  

U.S. bond markets may likely see some ripple effects emerging from faraway Japan following the weekend’s political developments. Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party elected Sanae Takaichi as its new leader, making her the first woman to head the party — and potentially the country’s first female prime minister.Given Takaichi’s credentials as a pro-stimulus leader, the yen weakened above the 150 level against the dollar for the first time in two months, and the yield on the 10-year Japanese Government Bond (JGB) climbed to a 17-year high. Goldman Sachs analysts expect the overseas bond markets to move higher in tandem, according to a Bloomberg report.In a note published on Oct. 5, Goldman Sachs strategists, led by Bill Zu, said for every 10 basis-point “idiosyncratic JGB shock,” yields on the U.S., German, and U.K. bonds could rise by two to three points. According to Investing.com data, the 10-year JGB yield rose 0.020 of a percentage point to 1.679%.At last check, the U.S. 10-year Treasury note yielded 4.154%, up 3.5 basis points, despite the government shutdown extending to its sixth day and recent data points signaling economic softness, particularly in the labor market.The U.S. stock market has been rising to record levels due to expectations that the Federal Reserve, which resumed rate cuts in September, would make additional cuts this year and into early 2026. Rising Japanese bond yields, therefore, raise concerns about the longer-dated U.S.&nbsp;notes&nbsp;as the government seeks to increase borrowing and inflation remains sticky.The <a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/SPY">SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF (SPY)</a>, an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that tracks the S&amp;P 500 Index, and the <a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/QQQ">Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ)</a> have risen 15.2% and 18.4%, respectively, for the year. On Stocktwits, retail sentiment toward the SPY and QQQ ETFs was both ‘bearish’ by early Monday, while the message volume on both streams was at ‘high’ levels. The iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ) has advanced nearly 23%.“Japan has been a net exporter of bearish shocks onto global long-end rates this year,” Goldman strategists said. “We expect the news of Ms. Takaichi’s election as LDP President to result in higher long-end JGB yields and a steeper curve.”How the political landscape shapes up in the Asian nation will determine the extent of sell-off seen in longer-term JGBs, Goldman said. Bond yields and prices move in opposite directions. “The long-end of the JGB curve has been decoupled from its usual cyclical drivers for some time, and increased uncertainty will likely keep long-end risk premia higher for now,” Goldman Strategists said in the report.Japanese stocks advanced strongly on Monday, driven by hopes of stimulus, with the Nikkei 225 market gauge settling the session up 4.75% at a fresh record.For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/amc-rides-taylor-swift-movie-hype-to-weekend-box-office-record/ch6bw2GR3Xi">AMC Rides Taylor Swift Movie Hype To Weekend Box Office Record: CEO Lauds ‘Iconic’ Singer Amid Retail Bullishness</a>

Sanae Takaichi, the newly-elected leader of Japan's ruling party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), attends a press conference after the LDP presidential election on October 4, 2025 in Tokyo, Japan. 

Goldman Flags Upside Risk To US Long-Term Yields After Japan’s ‘Bond Shock’ Triggered By Takaichi’s LDP Win

For every 10 basis-point “idiosyncratic JGB shock,” yields on the U.S., German, and U.K. bonds could rise by two to three points, Goldman strategists said.

Goldman Flags Upside Risk to US Long-Term Yields After Japan’s ‘Bond Shock’ Triggered by Takaichi’s LDP Win

Japanese automakers pledged to keep wage growth on track after the U.S. and Japan finalized a trade deal that slashed tariffs on cars, light trucks and auto parts to 15% from 27.5%, easing pressure on one of Japan’s most important export sectors.Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association chair Masanori Katayama said Wednesday the industry would “wholeheartedly strive to ensure the virtuous cycle of wage increases continues,” speaking in Tokyo alongside chief negotiator Ryosei Akazawa, who led the July 22 deal, Bloomberg&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-09-17/japan-s-carmakers-pledge-to-keep-up-wage-growth-momentum">reported</a>.Akazawa said the compromise “managed to hold our ground at the very last moment” and urged carmakers to back a $550 billion U.S. investment fund tied to the accord.The executive order signed by President Donald Trump on Sept. 4 set the new 15% baseline duty on Japanese auto imports starting Tuesday, with separate treatment for aerospace products.&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/japan-tariff-cut-takes-effect-tuesday-us-lowers-duties-on-cars-light-trucks-and-auto-parts-to-15/chwybKPRdUy">Tokyo agreed to offset measures</a>, including the procurement of 100 Boeing aircraft, increased purchases of U.S. farm and defense goods, and discussions on an Alaskan LNG offtake deal.Meanwhile, trade data show Japan’s car exports to the U.S. fell in August, with shipment value down 28.4% and volumes off 9.5%, as automakers cut prices to defend market share. Toyota, which had warned of a $10 billion profit hit from higher levies, said the new framework provides “much-needed clarity” for the industry.On Stocktwits, retail sentiment leaned ‘bullish’ for the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) and the Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ), both seeing ‘normal’ message volume, while the iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ) drew a more ‘neutral’ stance from traders amid ‘low’ activity.So far this year,&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/SPY">SPY</a> has gained 13.3% and&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/QQQ">QQQ</a> is up 15.9%, while&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/EWJ">EWJ</a> has outperformed both with a 22.2% rise.For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

A lot of cars are lined up for importing and exporting cars to the port.

Japanese Carmakers Vow To Sustain Wage Growth As Trump’s Trade Deal Slashes Auto Tariffs 

Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association chair Masanori Katayama said the industry would “wholeheartedly strive to ensure the virtuous cycle of wage increases continues” following the tariff cut.

The U.S. will start charging a 15% tariff on Japanese cars, light trucks and auto parts from early Tuesday morning, Customs and Border Protection said, putting into effect a trade deal the two countries sealed in July.The change, laid out in an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on Sept. 4, reduces auto duties from 27.5% and establishes a baseline 15% tariff on nearly all Japanese imports, with separate treatment for aerospace products.&nbsp;Japan’s top trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/us-to-implement-lower-15-tariffs-on-japanese-cars-and-auto-parts-by-next-week/chw0njNRdrt">welcomed the move last week</a>, saying in a post on X that the order represented “steady implementation of the agreement reached on July 22” after months of talks.&nbsp;Tokyo has pushed hard for relief, viewing auto tariffs as a critical issue for its export-heavy economy. The auto sector accounts for Japan’s largest share of exports to the U.S., and is a major driver of employment and wage growth.As part of the broader deal, Japan pledged to create a $550 billion U.S. investment fund, procure 100 Boeing aircraft, expand purchases of American agricultural goods and defense equipment, and explore an Alaskan liquefied natural gas offtake agreement. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has cautioned that Japan could face higher duties if the investment pledge is not fulfilled.Trump’s tariffs have weighed heavily on Japanese exporters. Toyota, which previously warned of a $10 billion profit hit from levies, said the new framework provides “much-needed clarity.” Two-way trade between the U.S. and Japan totaled nearly $230 billion in 2024, with Japan running a surplus of about $70 billion.On Stocktwits, retail sentiment was ‘bullish’ for the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) and the Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ) with ‘normal’ message volume, while sentiment for the iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ) was ‘neutral’ on ‘low’ activity.So far this year,&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/SPY">SPY</a> is up 13.4% and&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/QQQ">QQQ</a> has gained 16%, while&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/EWJ">EWJ</a> has climbed 22.2%, outperforming both.For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

So far this year, SPY is up 13.4% and QQQ has gained 16%, while EWJ has climbed 22.2%, outperforming both. (Photo credit: Getty Images)

Japan Tariff Cut Takes Effect Tuesday: US Lowers Duties On Cars, Light Trucks And Auto Parts To 15% 

The reduction stems from a Trump administration trade deal that also includes Japan’s pledge to create a $550 billion U.S. investment fund and boost purchases of American goods.

SoftBank Group Corp.’s (SFTBY) Tokyo-listed shares have seen a strong two-day surge, mirroring the buoyancy seen in Oracle stock after the Larry Ellison-founded company spoke about strong artificial intelligence (AI) momentum.The rally in SoftBank, which has a significant weighting in Japan’s Nikkei 225 average, pushed the country’s benchmark index to a new high.&nbsp;Oracle’s Nasdaq-listed stock settled Wednesday's session up nearly 36%, after Ellison and CEO Safra Catz highlighted the company’s AI opportunity in the quarterly release and during the earnings call.&nbsp;The optimism seeped down to SoftBank’s stock, an investment holding company run by Masayoshi Son that invests heavily in technology through its SoftBank Vision Funds (SVF).While speaking at SoftBank’s annual shareholder meeting held in July, Son expressed hopes to transform his company into the “world’s top platformer for ASI [artificial super intelligence] as he believed that it would be a winner-takes-all arena. “I’m all in,” he had said.Son was found alongside Ellison and OpenAI co-founder Sam Altman in late January when President Donald Trump announced a $500 billion private investment through a project dubbed Stargate to expand AI infrastructure in the U.S. over the next five years.Softbank and OpenAI are the lead partners, with the former focusing on operations and the latter on the financials. The two companies, along with Oracle and Abu Dhabi-based MGX, were named as equity partners.The AI optimism will likely lift the SoftBank stock, according to Andrew Jackson of Ortus Advisors, MarketWatch&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/softbank-shares-on-track-for-record-close-after-oracle-s-ai-contract-wins-51bbe9a8?mod=markets">said.</a>Referring to the&nbsp;surge in SoftBank’s Tokyo-listed stock on Wednesday, Jackson said, “Expect a nice bump higher for Softbank Group on this after its 7.3% move higher yesterday as investors joined the dots between this and Oracle's connection, when only months ago Masayoshi Son [SoftBank chief executive] and Larry Ellison [Oracle chairman] stood together as Trump announced the Stargate program," he wrote on SmartKarma, an investment intelligence platform.On Stocktwits, retail sentiment toward SoftBank stock remained ‘bearish’ (30/100) by late Wednesday, and the message volume was ‘low.’<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:618/53;" src="https://news.stocktwits-cdn.com/Screenshot_2025_09_11_at_1_42_50_AM_png_16cfbd7557.webp" alt="Screenshot 2025-09-11 at 1.42.50 AM.png" width="618" height="53"><figcaption>SFTBY sentiment and message volume as of 1:40 a.m. ET, Sept. 11 | source: Stocktwits</figcaption></figure>The firm reported in early August first-quarter profits that were double that of the consensus estimates, thanks to the earnings from its bets in Nvidia and its other tech portfolio that are part of the SVF.SoftBank’s stock, which trades over the counter (OTC) in the U.S., has gained 95% this year.For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/slb-appl-nvda-mrk-gild-what-sparked-heavy-after-hours-trading/chwNErNRdHi">SLB, Apple, Nvidia, Merck, Gilead Sciences: What Sparked Heavy After-Hours Trading In These 5 Stocks?</a>

The SoftBank Group logo is displayed on a mobile phone with a stock graph in the background, in this photo illustration in Brussels, Belgium, on August 20, 2025. 

Oracle Surge Sends Ripple Effect To SoftBank: Analyst Sees More Gains As Investors 'Joined The Dots' On $500B Stargate AI Program

The rally in SoftBank, which has a significant weighting in Japan’s Nikkei 225 average, pushed the country’s benchmark index to a new high. 

U.S. tariffs on Japanese goods, including cars and auto parts, will be lowered by Sept. 16, easing pressure on Japan’s export-heavy economy and its auto sector.Japan’s top trade negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/ryosei_akazawa/status/1965181980200632827">said in a post on X</a> that a U.S. Federal Register notice published on Sept. 9 formalized President Donald Trump’s executive order implementing the U.S.-Japan trade deal struck in July.The revised tariff schedule takes effect seven days from publication and applies retroactively from Aug. 7.The order lowers tariffs on Japanese cars to 15% from 27.5% and ensures that goods already facing duties above that rate, such as beef, will not face additional levies. Products previously taxed below 15% will be adjusted to that level, while commercial airplanes and parts are exempt, according to a Reuters&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.reuters.com/business/trump-signs-order-bring-lower-japanese-auto-tariffs-into-effect-2025-09-05/">report</a>.“Finally,” Akazawa&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/ryosei_akazawa/status/1963709950670069839">wrote on X</a>, referencing months of negotiations that required 10 trips to Washington. He later told reporters Japan welcomed the order as “a steady implementation of the agreement reached on July 22.”The executive order also confirmed Japan’s pledge to invest $550 billion in U.S. projects by 2029 and to boost purchases of U.S. agricultural goods and defense equipment. A joint statement said Tokyo would procure 100 Boeing aircraft and explore an Alaskan liquefied natural gas offtake agreement.Trump’s levies on global shipments have weighed heavily on Japanese exporters. Toyota, which has warned of a $10 billion profit hit from tariffs, said the new framework “provides much-needed clarity.”&nbsp;Two-way trade between the U.S. and Japan reached nearly $230 billion in 2024, with Japan running a surplus of about $70 billion.On Stocktwits, retail sentiment was 'bullish' on the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) and 'extremely bearish' on the Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ), both with 'normal' message volumes, while sentiment on the iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ) was 'neutral' amid 'high' message volume.So far this year,&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/SPY">SPY</a> is up 11.4% and&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/QQQ">QQQ</a> has gained 13.5%, while&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/EWJ">EWJ</a> has climbed 21.6%, outperforming both U.S. benchmarks.For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

Japan's Minister in charge of Economic Revitalization Ryosei Akazawa attends a budget committee meeting of an extraordinary session at the Lower House of the Diet on August 4 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images)

US To Implement Lower 15% Tariffs On Japanese Cars And Auto Parts By Next Week 

The order, formalised in a U.S. Federal Register notice, also confirms Tokyo’s $550 billion U.S. investment package and new purchases of American agricultural products and defense equipment.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who was instrumental in clinching the historical tariff deal with the U.S. after protracted negotiations, has called it quits. The move was expected as the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/japan-s-ruling-party-loses-grip-as-trump-tariff-deadline-looms/ch8qvTDR5A4">lost its majority</a> in the lower house in an election held in July.With that, the LDP was without a majority in either house for the first time.Japanese public broadcaster NHK&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20250907_11/">reported</a> on Sunday that Ishiba conveyed his decision to step down at a press conference and clarified that he would not run in the LDP’s upcoming special leadership contest.The Japanese stock market has reacted broadly positively to the development. On Monday, the Nikkei 225 average climbed nearly 1.50% at last check.The&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/EWJ">iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ)</a>, an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that tracks an index comprising Japanese stocks, has rallied 19% year-to-date (YTD).&nbsp; In comparison, the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/SPY">SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF (SPY)</a>, an exchange-traded fund (ETF) and the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/QQQ">Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ)</a> have gained 11.10% and 12.98%, respectively, for the year.On the other hand, the Japanese yen weakened significantly against the U.S. dollar, with the former’s retreat attributed to expectations that the Bank of Japan may not raise interest rates amid the uncertainty.According to a Nikkei&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://asia.nikkei.com/business/markets/equities/japan-stocks-near-fresh-intraday-high-as-pm-ishiba-resigns">report</a>, Tokai Tokyo Intelligence Laboratory analyst Ryotaro Sawada said, “With rising political uncertainty, the market is starting to doubt whether the Bank of Japan will be able to raise rates this year.”The next rate-setting meeting of the central bank is scheduled for Sept. 18-19.&nbsp;The NHK report stated that Ishiba’s decision to step down was due to a sense of closure, as the U.S.-Japanese trade deal is now officially concluded, with U.S. President Donald Trump signing an&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/trump-signs-executive-order-to-seal-japan-trade-pact/chw4vxJRdp3">executive order</a> to that effect last week. Apart from confirming the 15% tariff rate, the deal also reduced the auto tariffs to the baseline rate from the 27.5% discussed previously.The outgoing prime minister felt that it was his responsibility to close the deal as he viewed the tariff imbroglio as a “national crisis.”President Trump, meanwhile, reacted to the development. Talking to reporters in Washington after heading back from watching the U.S. Open finals in New York, the U.S. president said, “I was surprised, because I knew him, I liked him, and he's just now stepping down,” Japanese National Daily Mainichi reported. "I found him to be a very nice man, actually. We dealt very well together."Before his departure to the sporting event, when he was asked about the leadership change in Japan, he professed no knowledge of it.&nbsp;A U.S. State Department official reportedly told Kyodo&nbsp;News that regardless of Ishiba’s decision, the U.S. looks forward to “continuing our work with the government of Japan.”Trump was non-committal when a reporter asked whether he would visit Japan this fall, along with South Korea, which hosts this year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meet.Looking ahead, the LDP is&nbsp;considering how to choose its new leader, with former party Secretary General Motegi Toshimitsu reportedly throwing his hat in the ring, according to a separate NHK&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20250908_06/">report</a>. The party is discussing the format and schedule of a leadership race, it added.For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/economist-flags-most-disconcerting-jobs-data-signal-hinting-at-us-recession/chwWkgQRdqC">Economist Who Predicted 2008 Financial Crisis Flags ‘Most Disconcerting’ Jobs Data Signal Hinting At US Recession</a>

Shigeru Ishiba, Japan's Prime Minister, attends a press conference at the Prime Minister's Office on September 06, 2025 in Tokyo, Japan.

Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba Opts To Step Down As Tariff Deal With US Brings Closure To ‘National Crisis’ — Trump Says ‘I’m Surprised’

The outgoing prime minister believed it was his responsibility to resolve the tariff issue, as he viewed it as a “national crisis.”

President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order to implement the U.S.-Japan trade deal that was struck in late July, as both parties ironed out the wrinkles.&nbsp;A White House statement said, “Under the Agreement, the United States will apply a baseline 15 percent tariff on nearly all Japanese imports entering the United States, alongside separate sector-specific treatment for automobiles and automobile parts; aerospace products; generic pharmaceuticals; and natural resources that are not naturally available or produced in the United States.”The new tariff framework, along with expanded U.S. exports and investment-driven production, will help reduce the country’s trade deficit with Japan, it added.Trump sought Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to launch a procedure to modify the auto tariffs to 15% from 27.5% previously, within seven days of the duty cut being published in the Federal Register.Japan has agreed to expeditiously implement a 75% increase in the procurement of American rice and also purchase other agricultural products, including corn, soybeans, fertilizer, bioethanol, and others, totaling $8 billion per year.The executive order also firms up the $500 billion Japanese investment in the U.S., which is expected to generate additional jobs and expand domestic manufacturing.Following the formalization of the trade deal, the Japanese stocks started Friday’s session solidly higher, with the upside coming despite the yen’s strengthening.&nbsp; Auto stocks listed on the Japanese stock exchange opened notably higher but have since then come off the highs.The&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/EWJ">iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ)</a>, an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that tracks the investment results of the MSCI Japan Index, was seen up nearly half a percent in overnight trading. The ETF has gained over 18% so far this year compared to the 11.42% rise for the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/SPY">SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF (SPY)</a> and the 12.81% advance by the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/QQQ">Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ)</a>.The formal ratification of the U.S.-Japan trade deal came after several bickerings. In late August, Japan’s top trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa canceled his visit to the U.S., with the country clarifying that specific points required further technical discussion and that, therefore, discussions were to continue at the administrative level.It also comes at a time when Trump is fighting a legal battle to establish the legitimacy of his move to implement tariffs under the “International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/ray-dalio-warns-fed-rate-cut-in-september-could-trigger-stagflation-risk/chwdgimRdpP">Ray Dalio Warns Fed Rate Cut In September Could Trigger Stagflation Risk</a>

U.S. President Donald Trump attends an executive order signing event in the Oval Office of the White House on March 31, 2025, in Washington, DC. 

Trump Signs Executive Order To Seal Japan Trade Pact, Slashes Auto Tariffs To 15%

Japan has agreed to expeditiously implement a 75% increase in the procurement of American rice and also purchase other agricultural products.

Japan’s top trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa departed for Washington on Thursday for ministerial talks on the July trade deal, saying lower-level discussions had concluded and both sides agreed to implement the accord “faithfully and swiftly.”&nbsp;The visit follows his&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/japan-s-akazawa-plans-yet-another-us-trip-as-japan-awaits-trump-s-order-on-auto-tariff-rollback/chtTPR6RdZ0">abrupt cancellation</a> of a U.S. trip last week, which fueled speculation&nbsp;that friction&nbsp;was delaying the implementation of both tariff cuts and a planned $550 billion investment initiative, Bloomberg&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-09-04/japan-s-akazawa-heads-to-us-after-progress-on-staff-level-talks">reported</a>.Autos remain central&nbsp;to Tokyo, which is pressing the U.S. to follow through on its pledge to reduce car tariffs and fold a separate longstanding 2.5% levy into a new 15% rate as outlined in the July 22 agreement.&nbsp;Akazawa reiterated Japan’s expectation that U.S. President Donald Trump will issue an executive order to formalize the cuts before he returns to Japan on Saturday, though it is unclear which U.S. officials he will meet.On agriculture, Akazawa&nbsp;again rejected reports that Japan had agreed to tariff cuts or expanded quotas beyond existing caps. He said Tokyo would handle U.S. requests to boost rice purchases within its current duty-free ceiling, denying any compromise that would “sacrifice agriculture.”&nbsp;Japan imported 346,000 metric tons of American rice last year out of 770,000 tons under its duty-free quota, and Washington has said the deal requires an immediate 75% increase in U.S. imports, which would cut into shipments from suppliers such as Thailand, Australia and China.While Tokyo seeks auto tariff relief, Washington is pressing for proof of Japan’s promised investment flows into U.S. manufacturing, with details of the $550 billion initiative still unclear.On Stocktwits, retail sentiment was ‘bullish’ with ‘normal’ message volume for the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) and ‘high’ volume for the iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ), while sentiment for the Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ) was ‘bearish’ with ‘normal’ volume.So far this year,&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/QQQ">SPY</a> is up 10.5% and&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/QQQ">QQQ</a> has gained 11.8%, while&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/EWJ">EWJ</a> has outperformed with a 17% rise.For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

Japan’s Top Trade Envoy Heads To Washington Again As July Deal Moves To Next Stage

The visit follows last week’s abrupt cancellation, which sparked speculation about friction, as Tokyo presses for U.S. auto tariff cuts while rejecting calls to expand rice imports.

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