Press Conference by KATAYAMA Satsuki, Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Financial Services

Yesterday, the Nikkei Stock Average temporarily rose above the 60,000-yen mark for the first time. What is your view of this development?

As a general matter, higher stock prices are welcome because they can be seen as a symbol of a strong economy. Also, stock prices would probably not have risen unless what is called “Sanae-nomics” had been recognized in Japan and abroad, so in that respect I think it is a positive development. However, stock prices change from day to day depending on a variety of factors. The Nikkei Stock Average did reach the 60,000-yen mark at one point, but it is now below that level, and I would like to refrain from commenting on that matter.