Nikkei 225 dips as BOJ rate‑hike bets surge ahead of December meeting

Japan’s stock benchmark, Nikkei 225, slid to about 49,303 points — ending a four‑session rally — as investors repositioned ahead of a likely rate increase by the Bank of Japan (BOJ) at its December meeting. The drop came as odds for a BOJ rate hike on December 19 soared to roughly 80%, driving up yields and strengthening the yen, which weighed especially on rate‑sensitive sectors including electronics, pharmaceuticals, and industrials. On the technical side, the Nikkei is now perched at the apex of a narrowing symmetrical wedge — a pattern that often precedes a sharper move — signaling heightened volatility ahead. With bond yields rising and export‑heavy names under pressure, market sentiment has turned noticeably cautious. #Nikkei225 #BOJ #JapanMarkets #RateHike #SlimScan #GrowthStocks #CANSLIM