Deterministic Elements of Japanese Stock Prices under Low Interest Rates

Abstract

This paper uses daily data to perform an empirical analysis of the relationship between recent Japanese stock prices and macroeconomic variables under the zero or low interest policy in Japan. The empirical results indicate that short-term interest rates have not impacted Japanese stock prices. On the other hand, long-term interest rates, exchange rates, and foreign stock prices have been significant determinants of Japanese stock prices. This seems counter to traditional economic theory, but interest rates were quite low and other variables, such as exchange rates and other stock prices, play important roles in determining Japanese stock prices.