The largest stock brokerage company in Japan. Likes the outlook for the Japanese market and feels this company will benefit from increased interest in Japan.
His way of having a pure play on the Japanese market. Likes the outlook for the Japanese economy. International investors are being drawn back into Japan.
Brokers have a high correlation to the domestic stock market. If you're bullish on Japan, it's not a bad idea to have a brokerage firm. This one is also one of the leading investment banks in Japan.
(A Top Pick May 9/06. Down 19.5%.) Wanted exposure in the Japanese market and felt that a Japanese broker would be the best way. Too early. Still a believer so would still Buy.
(A Top Pick May 30/06. Basically flat.) The largest brokerage firm in Japan. Their economy was starting to turn around and he thought the market would follow suit. Japanese yen has declined quite a bit. Just a matter of time.
This type of bank gives leveraged exposure to the equity market and volumes in the equity market.
They've had a good run, and is currently fairly valued.
He feels that Japan isn't bullish.
(A Top Pick march 13/07. Down %.) Biggest brokerage firm in Japan. He wanted exposure to Japan. Unfortunately, they got involved with the US subprime market. Sold his holdings quite some time ago.