Press Conference by ASO Taro, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, and Minister of State for Financial Services

(Excerpt)

(Tuesday, February 16, 2021, ８:38 am to ８:42 am)

[Questions and answers:]

Q.

I would like to ask about the level of stock prices. Yesterday, the Nikkei Stock Average (Nikkei 225) topped the 30,000-yen mark for the first time in about 30 years since August 1990. While some have said that this move reflects anticipation of the effects of economic stimulus measures, including enormous public spending, other market participants have suggested that the market has become bubble-like. What are your views on the current stock price level?

A.

My response to the same question every time is always the same: I cannot comment. I have nothing to say regarding stock prices. In any case, there is a wide range of factors involved in stock prices, so I have no remarks on the market.