Abenomics refers to the economic policies introduced by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe starting in 2012. The program aimed to end decades of deflation and stagnation.

Three Arrows

  • Monetary easing: BOJ massive bond buying, negative interest rates
  • Fiscal stimulus: government spending on infrastructure
  • Structural reform: corporate governance, labor market flexibility

Impact on Markets

  • Nikkei 225: rose from ~8,500 (2012) to ~30,000+ (by 2023)
  • Yen: weakened from 80 to 150 per dollar
  • Corporate profits: record highs due to weak yen boosting exports

Legacy

Abenomics succeeded in reflating asset prices but Japan's core inflation remained stubbornly low until 2022-2023 when global factors finally pushed prices up.