SCJ Overview

• High Trading Volume: The 3EDGE Dynamic International Equity ETF (EDGI) experienced unusually high trading volume on Wednesday, with over 816,000 shares traded compared to a three-month average of about 52,000 shares, despite a 1.3% decline in share price.

• Top Performing Components: Among the ETF's components, the Vanguard Total International Stock ETF and Ishares Msci India ETF saw significant trading activity, with increases of 0.7% and 0.5%, respectively, while the Ishares Msci Global Gold Miners ETF performed the best with a 3.6% rise.

Investment Insights on Japan's Market

• Berkshire Hathaway's Increased Stake: Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway has raised its stake in Mitsubishi Corp. to 10.23% from 9.74% and has also increased its holding in Mitsui & Co., although it remains below 10%. This move has positively impacted shares in Japanese trading houses, reflecting Buffett's confidence in these companies.

• Performance of Japanese ETFs: Several Japan-focused ETFs, including the First Trust Japan AlphaDEX Fund (FJP) and iShares MSCI Japan Value ETF (EWJV), have outperformed the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) recently, indicating strong market performance.

Economic Indicators

• Japan's GDP Growth: Japan's GDP grew by 0.3% in Q2 2025, surpassing market expectations of 0.1% and marking the fifth consecutive quarter of growth. This economic stability is a positive sign for investors.

• Valuation of Japanese Stocks: Despite recent gains, Japanese stocks remain attractively valued compared to U.S. stocks, with P/E ratios for various ETFs ranging from 14.37X to 21.85X, significantly lower than the S&P 500's P/E of approximately 33.75X.

Future Outlook

• Potential for Japan ETFs: The combination of low interest rates and a stable economy positions Japan ETFs favorably for future growth, making them an attractive option for investors looking to diversify their portfolios.

• Semiconductor Market Growth: The global semiconductor manufacturing market is projected to grow from $452 billion in 2021 to $971 billion by 2028, highlighting significant opportunities in this sector, particularly for companies not dominated by major players like NVIDIA.

• Japanese Market Performance: Japan's Nikkei 225 index has risen approximately 10% this year, driven by positive U.S. inflation data and expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut, alongside favorable policies promoting foreign investment in Japan.

• Impact of Trade Deals: Recent trade agreements between the U.S. and Japan, including reduced auto tariffs, have contributed to a rally in global equities, particularly benefiting Japan-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and potentially increasing demand for Japanese stocks.

• Market Shift in Japan: Japan's 10-year government bond yield has reached its highest level since 2008 at 1.575%, driven by the fastest wage growth in over three decades, leading to expectations of interest rate hikes by the Bank of Japan (BOJ).

• Investment Opportunities: Investors are focusing on Japan-focused ETFs like iShares MSCI Japan Value ETF and iShares MSCI Japan Small Cap ETF, as well as the Invesco CurrencyShares Japanese Yen Trust, to capitalize on potential market changes due to rising interest rates and a stronger yen.

• Japan's Inflation and Interest Rates: Japan's core consumer inflation rose to 3.2% in January, the highest in 19 months, prompting expectations of further interest rate hikes by the Bank of Japan (BOJ), which could impact stock prices and ETFs focused on Japanese equities.

• Investment Strategies Amid Inflation: Investors may consider ETFs like iShares MSCI Japan Index Fund, JPMorgan BetaBuilders Japan ETF, and WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity Fund for exposure to Japanese stocks, while being aware of potential mixed outcomes due to rising inflation and interest rates affecting different sectors.

• Bank of Japan's Policy Shift: The Bank of Japan has raised its benchmark interest rate to approximately 0.25% and plans to reduce bond purchases by about 7% to 8% over the next two years, marking a significant move towards monetary policy normalization.

• Market Reactions and Investment Opportunities: Following the announcement, markets experienced volatility with stocks rising and the yen strengthening; analysts suggest that investors may benefit from non-currency-hedged Japan ETFs and value-focused investments as the yen strengthens.