Traders optimistic about Japan assets regardless of party winner

For Japan's stock markets, anyone is an improvement to Yoshihide Suga(pic). The Nikkei 225 Stock Average has risen nearly 6% since the premier announced he wouldn’t run again, and many analysts expect it to rise further.

INVESTORS in Japanese markets are preparing for the unusual spectre of a competitive contest for the country’s next leader, and the potential for policies to head in a new direction for the first time in nearly a decade.

The race for head of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, which will effectively decide the next prime minister, is too close to call. But for the country’s stock markets, anyone is an improvement to Yoshihide Suga. The Nikkei 225 Stock Average has risen nearly 6% since the premier announced he wouldn’t run again, and many analysts expect it to rise further.