Twenty-Fifth Monex Global Retail Investor Survey, June 2018 Expectations for U.S. stocks increased among retail investors in all three regions

Similar documents
Twenty-Fourth Monex Global Retail Investor Survey, December 2017 The forecast DI for the world stock markets rose sharply in all three regions

Monex Global Retail Investor Survey

Twenty-Third Monex Global Investor Survey Survey on the status of investment in virtual currency and the impact of Russia-gate on investment

Monthly Economic Report

Japanese Stock Market Outlook. SMAM monthly comments & views - October

Market Watch. Latest monthly commentary from the Investment Markets Research team at BT. March Review Developments in Financial Markets

Monthly Report of Prospects for Japan's Economy

The Forex Market in March 2007

Japanese Stock Market Outlook. SMAM monthly comments & views - November

Key developments and outlook

3. Equity markets. (Chart 16) Global equity prices. (Chart 17) US equity market and crude oil price. (Chart 18) Equity prices of China-related sectors

FY2017, FY2018, FY2019 Economic Outlook - Firm outlook on both domestic and overseas economic growth remains unchanged -

[ ] MACRO & MARKET COMMENTARY. » U.S. started the process to draft plans on a further $200 billion in Chinese

HKU announces 2015 Q4 HK Macroeconomic Forecast

May market performance. Index. Index. Global economies

[ ] WEEKLY CHANGES AGAINST THE USD

WEEKLY CHANGES AGAINST THE USD

BOJ December 2015 Tankan Survey

FY2018, FY2019 Economic Outlook - The Japanese economy is continuing to follow a recovery track -

[ ] WEEKLY CHANGES AGAINST THE USD. » The Bank of England raised its benchmark interest rate to its highest level in MACRO & MARKET COMMENTARY

October 2014 Strong Dollar Effects to Investors Dollar Trend Forecast

Monthly Market Snapshot

[ ] WEEKLY CHANGES AGAINST THE USD

Economic Monthly [Japan]

[ ] WEEKLY CHANGES AGAINST THE USD

Weekly FX Insight. Weekly FX Insight. Dec 30, 2013 with data as of Dec 27. Citibank Wealth Management. FX & Eco. Figures Forecast

EconWatch. Qualms of forex volatility; strong USD prior to policy tightening in the US. 21 August 2015

Mizuho Economic Outlook & Analysis

Summary of Consolidated Second Quarter Results for 2011

Monthly Market Snapshot

Japanese Stock Market Outlook. SMAM monthly comments & views - January

Japanese Stock Market Outlook. SMAM monthly comments & views - August

B-GUIDE: Market Outlook

Weekly FX Insight. Weekly FX Insight. Sep 23, 2013 with data as of Sep 20. Citibank Wealth Management. FX & Eco. Figures Forecast

U.S. wholesale prices eased in June as the cost of energy posted the biggest monthly drop in two years.

WEEKLY CHANGES AGAINST THE USD MACRO & MARKETS COMMENTARY

weekly digest Growing Pains 15 January 2018 Richard Stutley, CFA

Monthly Market Snapshot

Japan's International Investment Position at Year-End 2009

Global growth fragile: The global economy is projected to grow at 3.5% in 2019 and 3.6% in 2020, 0.2% and 0.1% below October 2018 projections.

Monthly Economic and Financial Developments January 2013

Emerging Markets Bank Lending Conditions Survey 2014Q3

WEEKLY CHANGES AGAINST THE USD MACRO & MARKETS COMMENTARY

JAPANESE ECONOMY Mixed scenarios regarding corporate earnings... 1

Monthly Market Snapshot

Monthly Market Snapshot

WEEKLY CHANGES AGAINST THE USD MACRO & MARKETS COMMENTARY

Volume 8, Issue 10 Mar 10, 2008

Global Investment Perspective

Zenith Monthly Market Report Zenith Monthly Market Report (30 June 2010)

FY2018, FY2019 Economic Outlook - Despite slower growth in 2019, the economy should remain firm. Keep a close eye upon the rise of uncertainties -

Market Month: August 2018 The Markets (as of market close July 31, 2018)

Oct-Dec st Preliminary GDP Estimate

Economic Monthly [Japan]

The current state of the Japanese Economy and mid- to long-term challenges it faces

(0.7) (17.0) (11.0) (21.7) (20.0) (21.2) 5.5 (14.7) (17.3) (7.6) (14.5) (19.2) 1Y Rtn (12/31/10-12/30/11)

Mizuho Economic Outlook & Analysis

Monthly Market Snapshot

HKU announces 2015 Q2 HK Macroeconomic Forecast

Economic Outlook: Global and India. Ajit Ranade IEEMA T & D Conclave December 12, 2014

January market performance. Equity Markets Price Indices Index

SIP Aggressive Portfolio

Monthly Market Snapshot

Quarterly Economic Outlook: Quarter on 25 September 2018 Strong Economic Expansions amidst Uncertainty of Trade War

INVESTMENT OUTLOOK March 2016

Will the consumption tax hike dampen consumer spending once again? Households familiar prices and thrift-consciousness hold the key

Medium Risk Portfolio QUANTUM FUNDS PORTFOLIO REVIEW NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2014 OBJECTIVE AND STRATEGY COMPOSITION OF PORTFOLIO QUANTUM FUNDS

QUARTERLY REPORT FOURTH QUARTER 1998

FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 2010

Macroeconomic and financial market developments. February 2014

Global PMI. Global economy starts 2017 on the front foot, PMI at 22-month high. February 8 th 2016

Monthly Market Snapshot

Global Equites declined from Concern over Trade War

APW Partners: Insight Greece & China: Investment Portfolio Implications

The Outlook for the Japanese Economy

Monthly Market Snapshot

[ ] WEEKLY CHANGES AGAINST THE USD

World Economic outlook

Australian Dollar Outlook

United States Europe Hong Kong. Local. Japan 13 OCTOBER 2016 DAILY INVESTMENT UPDATE

Daily FX & Market Commentary

Canada's equity market lagging world markets

BTMU Focus Latin America Mexico: macroeconomic performance Mexico: (1Q 2015)

Japanese Stock Market Outlook. SMAM monthly comments & views - June

1.1. Low yield environment

INVESTMENT REVIEW Q2 2018

Japanese Stock Market Outlook. SMAM monthly comments & views -November

CORPORATE BEIGE BOOK COMMENTARY

Market Insight Economy and Asset Classes December Oil Prices Downtrending: The Real Global Economic Stimulus

LETTER. economic COULD INTEREST RATES HEAD UP IN 2015? JANUARY Canada. United States. Interest rates. Oil price. Canadian dollar.

Market Watch. July Review Global economic outlook. Australia

The Current Risk Landscape. Axioma Insight Findings Melissa R. Brown, CFA

Rates Will Continue to Go Up in 2018

China Economic Quarterly

Monthly Report of Prospects for Japan's Economy

HKU Announced 2014 Q3 HK Macroeconomic Forecast

Economic Monthly [Japan]

December 2017 Machinery Orders

Monthly Economic and Financial Developments December 2008

(Unaudited translation of Kessan Tanshin, provided for reference only) January 31, 2019 Financial Highlights: The Third Quarter Ended December 31, 201

Transcription:

Twenty-Fifth Monex Global Retail Investor Survey, Expectations for U.S. stocks increased among retail investors in all three regions Tokyo, Florida and Hong Kong, June 14, 218 Monex, Inc. ( Monex ), TradeStation Securities, Inc. ( TradeStation ) and MONEX Boom Securities (H.K.) Limited ( BOOM ), group companies of Monex Group, Inc. (TSE: 8698), surveyed retail investors with accounts held in the respective companies about their perceptions of the market environment. The Monex Global Retail Investor Survey is a report summarizing their responses. Contact: Akiko Kato, Toshiaki Koike Corporate Communications Office Monex Group, Inc. +81-3-4323-8698 Atsushi Demoto, Yuki Nakano Investor Relations, Financial Control Department Monex Group, Inc. +81-3-4323-8698 This material is an English translation of a Japanese announcement made on the date above. Although the Company intended to faithfully translate the Japanese document into English, the accuracy and correctness of this English translation is not guaranteed and thus you are encouraged to refer to the original Japanese document. This translation was made as a matter of record only and does not constitute an offer to sell or to solicit an offer to buy securities in the U.S.

June 14 218 For Immediate Release Monex, Inc. TradeStation Securities, Inc. Monex Boom Securities (H.K.) Limited Twenty-Fifth Monex Global Retail Investor Survey, Expectations for U.S. stocks increased among retail investors in all three regions Monex, Inc, (Minato-ku, Tokyo; Oki Matsumoto, President; hereinafter Monex, Inc. ) conducted the twenty-fourth Monex Global Retail Investor Survey* in collaboration with Group companies TradeStation Securities, Inc. (Florida, the U.S.; John Bartleman, President) and Monex Boom Securities (H.K.) Limited (China (Hong Kong), Ivan Law, COO) from May 28 to June 4, 218. The world s major stock markets have experienced significant corrections since February this year but are gradually recovering. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and Germany s DAX have almost returned to pre-correction levels, but the Nikkei Stock Average and China s SSE Composite Index have been slow to recover (see graph). Trend of Stock market Indices for U.S., China, Japan and Germany (Start of 218=1) 11 15 DOW NIKKEI225 DAX SSE Composite Index 1 95 9 85 218/1 218/2 218/3 218/4 218/5 218/6 In our twenty-fifth Monex Global Retail Investor Survey, investment sentiment deteriorated sharply among retail investors in all three regions due to the stock market corrections. However, one feature of the survey findings was that expectations for U.S. stocks increased, reflecting a comparatively quick stock market recovery and firm business conditions. 1

Summary Findings 1. Global Survey Results: Survey of Retail Investors in Japan, U.S. and China (H.K.) Expectations for U.S. stocks increased among retail investors in all three regions. Although the forecast DI for world stock markets fell sharply in all three regions, retail investors in all three regions answered that U.S. was the region where there is the greatest likelihood of stock price appreciation in the coming three months. Furthermore, among retail investors in all three regions, expectations for U.S. stocks increased from the previous survey. The rise in expectations for U.S stocks is thought to reflect the fact that business conditions in U.S. are firm compared to the other regions and the recovery in stock prices was also comparatively quick. The forecast DI for world stock markets [Japan] Dec. 217: 37 : 22 (-15points) [U.S.] Dec. 217: 48 : 18 (-3points) [China (H.K.)] Dec. 217: 46 : -2 (-48 points) Figure1:Outlook on Stocks Globally for the Next 3 Months (Japan U.S. China(H.K.)) 8 6 4 48 46 37 22 2 18-2 -2-4 -6 12/6 12/12 13/6 13/12 14/6 14/12 15/6 15/12 16/6 16/12 17/6 17/12 18/6 Japan (MONEX) U.S. (TradeSta.) H.K. (BOOM) DI (diffusion index): The percentage of respondents who answered will rise or improve minus the percentage of respondents who answered will fall or deteriorate Expectations for stock markets in the coming three months [Japan] U.S.: 51.1% Europe/U.K.: 7.9% Asia excl. Japan: 21.1% Japan: 19.9% [U.S.] U.S.: 7.8% Europe/U.K.: 7.5% Asia excl. Japan: 19.2% Japan: 2.5% [China (H.K.)] U.S.: 45.6% Europe/U.K.: 5.7% Asia excl. Japan: 42.5% Japan: 6.2% [Figures 2-2~2-4 on Page 3 (Exhibit)] 2

Figure2-1: Expectation for Areas of Best Equity Performance for the Next 3 Months (Japan U.S. China(H.K.)) Japan (MONEX) 51.1% 7.9% 21.1% 19.9% U.S. (TradeSta.) 7.8% 7.5% 19.2% 2.5% H.K. (BOOM) 45.6% 5.7% 42.5% 6.2% % 2% 4% 6% 8% 1% U.S. Europe/U.K. Asia excl. Japan Japan Percentages of retail investors in Japan and U.S. investing in cryptocurrency reached their highest levels since June 217. We asked retail investors about much-talked-about cryptocurrency such as bitcoins with respect to their experience and willingness of investment. The percentages of retail investors in U.S. and Japan answering that they had already invested in cryptocurrency reached their highest levels since introduction of this question in June 217. Given that the last December survey was conducted by 1 st of December, which was before the peak of the market, the number of investors in cryptocurrency market might have declined since the peak, but still, compared to the level of last year, retail investors investing in cryptocurrency become more widespread. Figure7: About Cryptocurrency (Japan U.S. China(H.K.)) 2186 1.2% 29.3% 59.2% 1.3% 日本 (MONEX) 21712 2176 4.9% 3.% 31.5% 34.9% 61.% 59.7% 2.5% 2.4% 2186 16.7% 18.3% 53.3% 11.7% 米国 (TradeSta.) 21712 2176 11.2% 25.9% 3.3% 23.8% 51.7% 5.8% 11.2% 22.1% 2186 13.9% 12.7% 42.2% 31.2% H.K. (BOOM) 21712 14.3% 32.9% 3.1% 22.8% 2176 1.3% 25.% 39.7% 25.% % 2% 4% 6% 8% 1% I already have invested in cryptocurrency I am interested in cryptocurrency but I have not invested yet I am not interested in cryptocurrency I am not familiar with cryptocurrency 3

2. Japan Quarterly Survey Results: Survey of Retail Investors in Japan Almost half of the Japanese retail investors surveyed are against the planned consumption tax hike. We asked Japanese retail investors about the consumption tax hike planned for October 219. When asked if they were for or against the consumption tax hike, almost half answered that they were against, whilst around 3% answered that they were for. Besides unease that the consumption tax hike will squeeze household budgets, many retail investors may be concerned that the consumption rate hike will lead to a economic slowdown in Japan, partly because there was a slump in consumption when the tax rate was raised from 5% to 8%. Figure11-1:Do you agree or disagree with the consumption tax hike in October 219? Figure11-2:When do you think it is appropriate to raise the consumption tax? Eight percent should be maintained 172 18.8% 33.3% After 222 First half of 222 36 18 Second half of 222 14 47.9% First half of 221 Second half of 221 12 3 5 1 15 2 Agree Disagree Neither The population in Figure 11-1 is respondents who answered Disagree with the consumption tax hike in October 219. Please refer to the details of the results of the survey in the attached report. An outline of the survey conducted in Japan, the U.S. and China (H.K.): Japan U.S. China (H.K.) Survey period May 28 to June 4, 218. May 29 to June 1, 218. May 29 to June 1, 218. Number of responses 532 12 353 Monex, Inc. has been surveying retail investors about their attitudes regarding financial market conditions, providing you with the survey results as the Monex Retail Investor Survey since October 29. In addition to Japan, as our group has established securities businesses in the U.S. and China (Hong Kong), we expanded this retail investor survey geographically and added the U.S. and China (Hong Kong) in order to compile the "Monex Global Retail Investor Survey" since June 211. Monex, Inc., TradeStation Securities, Inc. and Monex Boom Securities (H.K.) Limited have been jointly conducting this survey and observing retail investors attitudes about financial market conditions in Japan, the U.S. and in China (Hong Kong) on a regular basis. 4

Monex Global Retail Investor Survey Executive Summary Yutaka Masushima, Market Analyst, Monex Inc. The world s major stock markets have experienced significant corrections since February this year but are gradually recovering. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and Germany s DAX have almost returned to pre-correction levels, but the Nikkei Stock Average and China s SSE Composite Index have been slow to recover (see graph). In our twenty-fifth Monex Global Retail Trend of Stock market Indices for U.S., China, Japan and Germany (Start of 218=1) 11 DOW NIKKEI225 DAX 15 SSE Composite Index 1 95 9 85 218/1 218/2 218/3 218/4 218/5 218/6 Investor Survey, investment sentiment deteriorated sharply among retail investors in all three regions due to the stock market corrections. However, one feature of the survey findings was that expectations for U.S. stocks increased, reflecting a comparatively quick stock market recovery and firm business conditions. We also continued to ask retail investors about their experiences investing in cryptocurrency. Our finding that the percentage of retail investors in US and Japan answering that they had already invested in cryptocurrency increased from the previous survey was very interesting. We ask investors from around the world about their experiences investing in cryptocurrency at almost the same time and there is no other survey of this kind. We were able to obtain information that will be very useful when considering the potential future spread of cryptocurrency. With your assistance, we have been able to compile and analyze extremely valuable data. We greatly appreciate your cooperation and hope that this survey will be of some aid in your investment decisions. 1 (Written as of June 5, 218)

Summary 1. Global Survey Results: Survey of Retail Investors in Japan, U.S. and China (H.K.) (1-1) The forecast DI (*) for world stock markets fell sharply in all three regions. We asked retail investors in each region about their views on world stock markets for the coming three months. In all three regions, the DI fell sharply from the previous survey (conducted between November and December 217). Especially among retail investors in U.S. and China (Hong Kong), the DI showed a substantial decrease of 3 points and 48 points respectively. The results suggest that the global stock market correction seen since the start of the year worsened sentiment among retail investors. The forecast DI for world stock markets [Japan] Dec. 217: 37 : 22 (-15points) U.S.] Dec. 217: 48 : 18 (-3points) [China (H.K.)] Dec. 217: 46 : -2 (-48 points) Figure1:Outlook on Stocks Globally for the Next 3 Months (Japan U.S. China(H.K.)) 8 6 4 48 46 37 22 2 18-2 -2-4 -6 12/6 12/12 13/6 13/12 14/6 14/12 15/6 15/12 16/6 16/12 17/6 17/12 18/6 Japan (MONEX) U.S. (TradeSta.) H.K. (BOOM) * DI (diffusion index): The percentage of respondents who answered will rise or improve minus the percentage of respondents who answered will fall or deteriorate. 2

(1-2) Expectations for U.S. stocks increased among retail investors in all three regions. Retail investors in all three regions answered that U.S. was the region where there is the greatest likelihood of stock price appreciation in the coming three months. Furthermore, among retail investors in all three regions, expectations for U.S. stocks increased from the previous survey. The rise in expectations for U.S stocks is thought to reflect the fact that business conditions in U.S. are firm compared to the other regions and the recovery in stock prices was also comparatively quick. Expectations for stock markets in the coming three months [Japan] U.S.: 51.1% Europe/U.K.: 7.9% Asia excl. Japan: 21.1% Japan: 19.9% [U.S.] U.S.: 7.8% Europe/U.K.: 7.5% Asia excl. Japan: 19.2% Japan: 2.5% [China (H.K.)] U.S.: 45.6% Europe/U.K.: 5.7% Asia excl. Japan: 42.5% Japan: 6.2% Figure2-1: Expectation for Areas of Best Equity Performance for the Next 3 Months (Japan U.S. China(H.K.)) Japan (MONEX) U.S. (TradeSta.) H.K. (BOOM) 51.1% 45.6% 7.8% 5.7% 7.9% 21.1% 7.5% 42.5% 19.9% 19.2% 2.5% 6.2% % 2% 4% 6% 8% 1% U.S. Europe/U.K. Asia excl. Japan Japan Figure2-2: Expectation for Areas of Best Equity Performance for the Next 3 Months 7.% 6.% 5.% 4.% 3.% 2.% 1.% U.S. Europe/U.K. Asia excl. Japan Japan 51.1% 44.2% 3.8% 21.1% 19.9% 15.8% 9.2% 7.9%.% 12/6 12/12 13/6 13/12 14/6 14/12 15/6 15/12 16/6 16/12 17/6 17/12 18/6 Figure2-3: Expectation for areas of Best Equity Performance for the Next 3 Months Figure2-4: Expectation for areas of Best Equity Performance for the Next 3 Months (U.S,) 9% 8% 7% 6% 5% 4% 3% 2% 1% % U.S. Europe/U.K. Asia excl. Japan Japan 7.8% 62.1% 19.% 19.2% 12.9% 7.5% 6.% 2.5% China(H.K.) 8% ( 米国の個人投資家 ) 推移 7% 6% 5% 4% 3% 2% 1% % U.S. Europe/U.K. Asia excl. Japan Japan 48.3% 45.6% 42.5% 37.6% 7.3% 6.2% 6.7% 5.7% 3

(1-3) The percentage of retail investors expecting a stronger dollar increased in U.S. and China. In both U.S. and China (Hong Kong), the currency that retail investors consider most likely to increase in value in the coming three months was U.S dollar and the percentage of retail investors in both regions who answered so rose from the previous survey. The percentage of retail investors in Japan who forecast a weaker yen against the dollar in the coming three months was 45%, rising sharply from 33% in the previous survey (conducted in March 218). *Figure 3-1 shows a comparison with the previous survey (between May and June 217) for retail investors in U.S. and China (Hong Kong). Figure 3-2 shows changes in USD/JPY forecast among Japanese retail investors from December 212 to the present. Japanese retail investors were surveyed every month from the start of the survey to April 216, every two months from June 216 to December 216, and every quarter from March 217 to the present. Figure3-1: Strongest Currency Over the Next 3 Months(vs Previous survey) (U.S. China(H.K.)) H.K. (BOOM) U.S. (TradeSta.) 2186 21712 2186 21712 5.% 58.3% 15.% 6.7% 3.3% 4.2% 7.5% 4.3% 2.6% 51.7% 13.8% 11.2% 1.3% 6.% 4.5% 2.8% 61.8% 6.2% 6.8% 16.1% 1.7% 38.8% 16.% 9.6% 21.1% 7.6% 3.9% 3.1% % 2% 4% 6% 8% 1% USD EUR GBP JPY AUD CNY Others Figure3-2: JPY Against the Dollar for the Next 3 Months 9% 8% 7% 6% 5% 44% 45% 4% 3% 32% 29% 2% 3% 26% 1% % 13/6 13/12 14/6 14/12 15/6 15/12 16/6 16/12 17/6 17/12 18/6 Depreciate Stay Unchanged Appreciate (1-4) On the list of most attractive sectors, Technology continued to rank top in all three regions. As in the previous survey, Technology continued to be ranked in the top on the list of the most attractive sectors among retail investors in Japan, U.S. and China (Hong Kong). The evolution of AI and the emergence of various products using the latest technologies such as AR (augmented reality) and VR (virtual reality) are no doubt fueling high expectations among investors. 4

Figure4-1: Attractive Sectors Figure4-2: Attractive Sectors (U.S. China(H.K.)) 13/6 13/12 14/6 14/12 15/6 15/12 16/6 16/12 17/6 17/12 18/6 Technology 1 Healthcare 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 11 12 13 Telecom Commerce Machinery Retail Automobiles Real Estate Oil Electric/Gas Marine Banks Steel (In parentheses previous ranking) *Figure 4-1 shows a comparison of rankings with the previous survey (conducted between May and June 217) for retail investors in U.S. and China (Hong Kong). Figure 4-2 shows changes in the ranking among Japanese retail investors from June 213 to the present. Japanese retail investors were surveyed every month from the start of the survey to April 216, every two months from June 216 to December 216, and every quarter from March 217 to the present. (1-5) Results for the Crude Oil DI were mixed despite sharply rising crude oil futures prices. Results for the Crude Oil DI were mixed, with the DI rising substantially among retail investors in U.S., dipping slightly in China (Hong Kong), and falling sharply in Japan. Despite a recent minor correction, crude oil WTI futures prices have risen sharply, temporarily hitting around 75 dollars per barrel compared to around 6 dollars per barrel at the end of last year, and the results reflect different assessments of the rise in each region. The Crude Oil DI for retail investors in Japan was -5, the first negative result recorded since the survey conducted in December 215. Figure5-1: Crude Oil DI Figure5-2: Metals DI (Japan U.S. China(H.K.)) (Japan U.S. China(H.K.)) 8 8 Japan (MONEX) U.S. (TradeSta.) H.K. (BOOM) Japan (MONEX) U.S. (TradeSta.) 6 4 2 52 39 37 35 31 6 4 2 H.K. (BOOM) 47 34 34 24 27 21-5 -2-2 -4 12/6 12/12 13/6 13/12 14/6 14/12 15/6 15/12 16/6 16/12 17/6 17/12 18/6-4 12/6 12/12 13/6 13/12 14/6 14/12 15/6 15/12 16/6 16/12 17/6 17/12 18/6 5

[Expectations for Crude Oil] [Japan] Dec. 217:37 : -5 (-42points) [U.S.] Dec. 217:39 : 52(+13 points) [China (Hong Kong)] Dec. 217:35 : 31 (-4points) [Metals] [Japan] [U.S.] [China (Hong Kong)] Dec. 217:34 :21 (-13 points) Dec. 217:47 :34 (-13 points) Dec. 217:27 :24 (-3 points) (1-6) In contrast to the market view, the percentage of retail investors in Japan forecasting a further rate hike in U.S. in June was low. Although the FRB has announced another rate hike on 14 of June(Japan Time), our survey showed that the percentage of retail investors who answered that the timing of the FRB s next rate hike would be was just above 2% in U.S. and Japan and just above 4% in China (Hong Kong), slightly lower than the market view. Figure6: When will the Fed start to raise interest rates next time? (Japan U.S. China(H.K.)) Japan (MONEX) 21.6% 45.9% 32.5% U.S. (TradeSta.) 24.5% 44.3% 31.1% H.K. (BOOM) 41.8% 37.2% 2.9% % 2% 4% 6% 8% 1% Jun-218 July-Sep.218 Oct.-Dec. 218 (1-7) Percentages of retail investors in Japan and U.S. investing in cryptocurrency reached their highest levels since the start of the survey. We asked retail investors about much-talked-about cryptocurrency such as bitcoins with respect to their experience and willingness of investment. The percentages of retail investors in U.S. and Japan answering that they had already invested in cryptocurrency reached their highest levels since introduction of this question in June 217. Given that the last December survey was conducted by 1 st of December, which was before the peak of the market, the number of investors in 6

cryptocurrency market might have declined since the peak, but still, compared to the level of last year, retail investors investing in cryptocurrency becomes more widespread. Figure7: About Cryptocurrency (Japan U.S. China(H.K.)) 2186 1.2% 29.3% 59.2% 1.3% 日本 (MONEX) 21712 2176 4.9% 3.% 31.5% 34.9% 61.% 59.7% 2.5% 2.4% 2186 16.7% 18.3% 53.3% 11.7% 米国 (TradeSta.) 21712 2176 11.2% 25.9% 3.3% 23.8% 51.7% 5.8% 11.2% 22.1% 2186 13.9% 12.7% 42.2% 31.2% H.K. (BOOM) 21712 14.3% 32.9% 3.1% 22.8% 2176 1.3% 25.% 39.7% 25.% % 2% 4% 6% 8% 1% I already have invested in cryptocurrency I am interested in cryptocurrency but I have not invested yet I am not interested in cryptocurrency I am not familiar with cryptocurrency 2. Japan Quarterly Survey Results: Survey of Retail investors in Japan (2-1) The DI for U.S. stocks and Chinese stocks both rose, with the DI for Chinese stocks entering positive territory for first time in around six years. We asked Japanese retail investors about their outlook for the stock markets in Japan, U.S. and China in the coming three months. The DI for U.S. stocks and Chinese stocks both rose sharply from the previous survey (conducted in March 218). The DI for U.S. stocks surged 41 points from the previous survey, and the DI for Chinese stocks turned positive for the first time in around six years since the survey conducted in February 212. Expectations for Chinese stocks appear to be gradually increasing. [Japanese Stocks DI] [U.S. Stocks DI] [China stocks DI] March 218: 17 : 13 (-4points) March 218: 5 : 46 (+41 points) March 218: -13 :2 (+15points) 7

Figure8-1: Outlook on Stocks for the Next 3 Months 8 Japan U.S. China 6 46 4 17 2 13 5 2-13 -2-4 -6-8 14/6 14/12 15/6 15/12 16/6 16/12 17/6 17/12 18/6 Figure8-2: Japanese Investor's Domestic DI and Nikkei 225 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 日本株 DI 17 13 8 (1) 14/6 14/12 15/6 15/12 16/6 16/12 17/6 17/12 18/6 26, 24, 22, 2, 18, 16, 14, 12, 1, 8, (2-2) DIs for trading frequency, investment amount and number of stocks held for Japanese stocks were mixed. Although the DIs for trading frequency and investment amount for Japanese stocks rose from the previous survey, the DI for number of stocks held fell slightly. With no major change in any of the DIs, the wait-and-see attitude about Japanese stock seems to be taking hold. [DI of trading frequency] [DI of investment amount] [DI of the number of stocks held] March 218: 24 June218: 28 (+4points) March 218: 19 June218: 21(+2points) March 218: 12 June218: 11 (-1 points) Figure9-1:Investment Willingness for the Next 3 Months and Nikkei225 Figure9-2:Investment Willingness for the Next 3 Months 8 7 6 日本株 DI 日経平均終値 26, 24, 22, 5 4 Frequency DI Amount DI Number DI 5 2, 3 28 4 3 18, 16, 2 24 19 21 2 17 14, 1 12 11 1 13 12, 1, (1) 8, 14/6 14/12 15/6 15/12 16/6 16/12 17/6 17/12 18/6-1 14/6 14/12 15/6 15/12 16/6 16/12 17/6 17/12 18/6 (2-3) Emerging country-related topics received more attention among Japanese retail investors. The topic that received the greatest attention among Japanese retail investors was corporate earnings in Japan. However, the percentage fell more than 5% from the previous survey. The topics that showed the biggest increase in attention compared with the previous survey were 8

emerging county (excl. China) and exchange rate trend. The sudden drop in the value of the Turkish lira attracted attention, and investors imagine that, as interest rates rise in U.S., the world s economic center, capital will flow back into the dollar, causing emerging market currencies to weaken, and this may explain the increased interest in these topics. Figure1-1: Topic Figure1-2: Topic(Change From Previous Survey) Japan U,S, Europe China (incl.h.k.) Emerging country (excl.china) Corporate earnings 83.3% 5.2% 12.8% 13.% 8.8% Macroeconomics 54.7% 67.3% 22.9% 22.9% 15.% Exchange rate trend 63.3% 69.4% 19.4% 8.5% 12.8% Rate movements 42.9% 76.3% 16.9% 5.3% 8.8% Monetary policy 57.1% 65.4% 24.2% 15.6% 8.5% Politics,diplomacy 57.3% 74.8% 26.7% 47.6% 2.7% Japan U,S, Europe China (incl.h.k.) Emerging country (excl.china) Corporate earnings -5.3.6-1.1.8.6 Macroeconomics -8. 2.3.1-2..1 Exchange rate trend -8..9 -.8 1.4 3.2 Rate movements -4.5-3.4 -.3 -.4 1.7 Monetary policy -7.7-4.2-2.3 2.6 2.6 Politics,diplomacy -1.3 -.1-4.6 1.7 2.5 (point) (2-4) Almost half of the Japanese retail investors surveyed are against the planned consumption tax hike. We asked Japanese retail investors about the consumption tax hike planned for October 219. When asked if they were for or against the consumption tax hike, almost half answered that they were against, whilst around 3% answered that they were for. Besides unease that the consumption tax hike will squeeze household budgets, many retail investors may be concerned that the consumption rate hike will lead to a economic slowdown in Japan, partly because there was a slump in consumption when the tax rate was raised from 5% to 8%. Figure11-1:Do you agree or disagree with the consumption tax hike in October 219? Figure11-2:When do you think it is appropriate to raise the consumption tax? Eight percent should be maintained 172 18.8% 33.3% After 222 First half of 222 36 18 Second half of 222 14 47.9% First half of 221 Second half of 221 12 3 5 1 15 2 Agree Disagree Neither The population in Figure 11-1 is respondents who answered Disagree with the consumption tax hike in October 219. 9

Outline of Survey & Characteristics of Respondents Method: Online survey Respondents: Customers of Monex, Inc. # of Responses: 532 Period: May 28 to June 4, 218. [Gender] Male Female [Age] 87.8% 12.2% Minor 2s 3s 4s 5s 6s 7s or over.% 1.5% 9.8% 25.4% 27.8% 24.6% 1.9% [Financial assets] Under JPY 5 million JPY 5 ~1 million JPY 1 ~ 2 million JPY 2 ~ 5 million JPY 5 ~ 1 million Over JPY 1 million 2.9% 17.1% 2.1% 23.7% 11.5% 6.8% [Frequency of trading] Day trading Several times a week Several times a month Once every few months Fewer than that 5.3% 14.8% 32.9% 31.6% 15.4% [Experience with stock investment] Less than a year 1 ~ 5 years 5 ~ 1 years Over 1 years 6.2% 2.7% 17.7% 55.5% (United States) Method: Online survey Respondents: Customers of TradeStation Securities, Inc. # of Responses: 12 Period: May 29 to June 1, 218. (Hong Kong) Method: Online survey Respondents: Customers of Monex BOOM Securities (H.K.) Limited # of Responses: 353 Period: May 29 to June 1, 218. 1

The Monex Global Retail Investor Survey measures customer sentiment based upon answers to specific questions received from a random sampling of customers of Monex, Inc., TradeStation Securities, and Monex Boom Securities (H.K.) Limited. Details of the methodology used to conduct the survey are available upon request. Accuracy and completeness of the data derived from the survey are not guaranteed. The Monex Retail Investor Survey has been published since October 29, and the Monex Global Retail Investor Survey since June 211. *About the survey -Monex Global Retail Investor Surveys were conducted every quarter from June 211 to June 216, and every six months from June 216. - Retail investor surveys limited to Japan were conducted every month from October 29 to April 216, every two months from June 216 to December 216, and every quarter from March 217 to the present. The information contained herein should not be construed as investment research or an offer or solicitation to buy or sell securities, securities derivatives, or futures products or services. Investor sentiment derived from the survey responses is no guarantee of future performance or success. 11