Japanese Stocks Rise On Weaker Yen And Revised Growth Data

The Japanese stock market benefited from a weaker yen and revised economic data that revealed that the country's economy grew a greater than expected annualized 4.5% during the 3rd quarter. The Nikkei 225 index of Japanese stocks opened Thursday trading at 10,277.87, which was above the previous trading day's close at 10,232.33. Shortly after the market opened, the Nikkei 225 began a downward trend that continued into the afternoon. However, the index remained in positive territory for the entire day, climbing back up during afternoon trading and finishing the Thursday trading session up 53.55 points, or 0.52%, at 10,285.88. The day's range for the Japanese stock index moved between 10,240.11 and 10,298.25. Investors who would like to invest in Japanese equities might want to consider the iShares MSCI Japan Index Fund EWJ, which uses a representative sampling strategy to try to track the MSCI Japan index. Those who are bullish on Japanese stocks should take a look at the ProShares Ultra MSCI Japan Index Fund EZJ, which seeks daily investment results, before fees and expenses, that correspond to twice the daily performance of the MSCI Japan Index. If you think that Japanese stocks are headed lower, consider the ProShares UltraShort MSCI Japan Fund EWV, which seeks daily investment results, before fees and expenses, that correspond to twice the inverse of the daily performance of the MSCI Japan index. Read more from Benzinga's ETF news.