Japan's rally will impact flows into other mkts: Bank of America's Akutsu

In a Q&A, the bank's Chief Japan Equity Strategist says yen depreciation this time around is benefitting stock prices and Japanese markets will finally surpass the lifetime highs made 34 years ago

Japan has been the standout global market this year with its benchmark Nikkei 225 index soaring more than 20 per cent to reach 1990 highs. Masashi Akutsu, Chief Japan Equity Strategist, Bank of America, explains what is driving the new-found interest in the world’s third-largest economy. In an interview to Samie Modak, Akutsu says the yen depreciation this time around is benefitting stock prices and Japanese markets will finally surpass their lifetime highs made 34 years ago. Edited excerpts:

What is the reason for bullishness towards the Japanese market?

Structural changes are a key factor behind the revaluation of Japan