Robust corporate earnings set to boost Nikkei, say analysts

Tokyo

AN unusually important corporate results season will begin in Japan this week as companies report what some analysts believe could be earnings well above consensus forecasts, providing a trigger for Tokyo stock prices to climb back above the 15-year high they hit recently, and a needed shot in the arm for Abenomics.

The results for the financial year to March 31 come at a time when even Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Akira Amari has suggested that Tokyo stock prices may be experiencing a "small bubble" - in line with other leading equity markets around the world.

But stronger than expected corporate results could dispel the idea that Tokyo stocks are in a bubble and send the Nikkei 225 …