日经平均股指再创新高，挑战市净率1.6倍关口

Group 1 - The Nikkei average index reached a new high of 43,714 points on August 18, up 336 points (0.77%) from the previous weekend, marking two consecutive days of record highs [2] - The market's price-to-book ratio (PBR) is approaching a high of 1.6 times for 2024, indicating a sustained bullish sentiment [2] - Investors are shifting towards relatively undervalued stocks due to the lack of clear buying opportunities [2] Group 2 - Despite expectations of market pressure after the previous week's highs, the market showed unexpected strength, with the Nikkei index briefly reaching 43,835 points [4] - The stocks driving the recent increase differ from previous trends, with retail stocks like J. FRONT RETAILING and Mitsukoshi Isetan, as well as automotive stocks like Suzuki, receiving strong buying support [4] - Bank stocks, which had previously surged due to expectations of interest rate hikes by the Bank of Japan, have seen significant pullbacks [4] Group 3 - The U.S. economy has not shown significant slowdown, and U.S. stock indices continue to reach new highs, which may influence Japanese market sentiment [5] - The average PBR of Nikkei index constituents is currently at 1.58 times, exceeding the peaks of 1.57 times observed in March and July 2024 [5] - There is a growing belief in the market that a PBR exceeding 1.6 times can be justified, indicating a shift in investor sentiment [5] Group 4 - Following the conclusion of Japan-U.S. tariff negotiations in late July, the upward trend in the Japanese stock market has strengthened [7] - Investors who previously lacked sufficient positions are now seeking relatively undervalued stocks, particularly during the traditionally low trading period of the Obon festival [7]