‘Pick Japanese companies that are improving capital efficiencies over high-growth stocks’
Masaki Taketsume, fund manager of Japan Trust at Schroders explains why he prefers Japanese stocks that show improving efficiencies rather than high-growth stocks, and which Japanese stocks are likely to outperform in 2024.
(Video Transcript Summary)
Japanese economy returning to normal
In this video, Masaaki Takatsume, fund manager of Japan Trust at Schroders, talks about the future of Japanese stocks. He explains that while the rest of the world is concerned about inflation and interest rates, Japan is actually returning to normal levels. This is good news for Japanese stocks in 2024.
Takatsume agrees that some people have had trouble finding companies that are growing in Japan, but he believes that corporate governance has improved. This means that companies are making more money, which is great for investors.
He gives an example of Toyota, who improved their balance sheet and made more money. This shows that Japanese companies are getting better at using their money wisely to make more profits.
Upcoming inflation will boost Japanese stocks
Looking ahead, Takatsume sees two positive things for Japanese stocks. First, inflation is coming back, which is good for companies that can raise prices and make more money. He uses Kyorichi Maintenance, a company in the hotel industry, as an example.
Second, corporate governance is improving, which means that companies are making more money and are more attractive to investors. Toyota is an example of a company that has gotten better at running their business.
Takatsume also mentions that he is cautious about companies that are growing quickly or are valued very high. He thinks that inflation and higher interest rates could be a problem for these companies.
Japan not focusing on renewables yet
When it comes to environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, Japan is taking a different approach than other leading countries. Instead of focusing on renewable energy right away, they are first getting rid of coal-fired power plants. Takatsume says that Japan is somewhere in the middle when it comes to ESG compared to other countries.
Overall, Takatsume is positive about Japanese stocks. He thinks there are opportunities with companies that can raise prices, have good corporate governance, and care about ESG. However, he is cautious about companies that are growing too quickly or are valued too high.
This information has been prepared by IG, a trading name of IG Markets Limited. In addition to the disclaimer below, the material on this page does not contain a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for, a transaction in any financial instrument. IG accepts no responsibility for any use that may be made of these comments and for any consequences that result. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk. Any research provided does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. It has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Although we are not specifically constrained from dealing ahead of our recommendations we do not seek to take advantage of them before they are provided to our clients.
Seize a share opportunity today
Go long or short on thousands of international stocks.
- Increase your market exposure with leverage
- Get spreads from just 0.1% on major global shares
- Trade CFDs straight into order books with direct market access
Live prices on most popular markets
- Forex
- Shares
- Indices
