From Japan to Brazil, voters could shake markets in key election year

A person walks past a bulletin board for posters of candidates for the February 8 snap election, where snow has accumulated, in Fukui, Japan, January 26, 2026, in this photo taken by Kyodo. Mandatory credit Kyodo/via REUTERS

LONDON, Feb 2 (Reuters) - From Japan to Brazil, elections ‌could add yet more uncertainty this year to markets already whipped by U.S. policy gyrations and heightened geopolitical tension.

Japan's election this coming weekend is among the most unpredictable in years, while ‌polls across Latin America will test the region's rightward shift.