[Breaking News]Tokyo stocks end up at 1-year high

TOKYO, Japan, July 23 Kyodo - A financial data screen in Tokyo shows the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average's closing price at 41,171.32 its highest finish in about a year, on July 23, 2025, after Japan and the United States reached a trade deal with 15 percent U.S. tariffs on Japanese autos and other products. (Kyodo)

Tokyo stocks end up at 1-year high

Tokyo stocks end up at 1-year high

A financial data screen in Tokyo shows the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average's closing price at 41,171.32 its highest finish in about a year, on July 23, 2025, after Japan and the United States reached a trade deal with 15 percent U.S. tariffs on Japanese autos and other products.

Tokyo stocks end up at 1-year high

Tokyo stocks end up at 1-year high

A financial data screen in Tokyo shows the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average's closing price at 41,171.32 its highest finish in about a year, on July 23, 2025, after Japan and the United States reached a trade deal with 15 percent U.S. tariffs on Japanese autos and other products.

New Year tuna auction in Tokyo

TOKYO, Japan, Jan. 6 Kyodo - Video shows a bluefin tuna that fetched 207 million yen ($1.3 million) during the year's first auction at the Toyosu fish market in Tokyo on Jan. 5, 2025. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Tesla's Sales Hit A Record in China

Tesla's Sales Hit A Record in China

A netizen shows Tesla's stock price in Yichang, Hubei province, China, December 12, 2024. According to the sales data released by Tesla China, from December 2 to December 8, 2024, Tesla sold 21,900 vehicles in China, the highest single week sales since the fourth quarter of 2024.

Tesla's Sales Hit A Record in China

Tesla's Sales Hit A Record in China

A netizen shows Tesla's stock price in Yichang, Hubei province, China, December 12, 2024. According to the sales data released by Tesla China, from December 2 to December 8, 2024, Tesla sold 21,900 vehicles in China, the highest single week sales since the fourth quarter of 2024.

Tesla's Sales Hit A Record in China

Tesla's Sales Hit A Record in China

A netizen shows Tesla's stock price in Yichang, Hubei province, China, December 12, 2024. According to the sales data released by Tesla China, from December 2 to December 8, 2024, Tesla sold 21,900 vehicles in China, the highest single week sales since the fourth quarter of 2024.

Tesla's Sales Hit A Record in China

Tesla's Sales Hit A Record in China

A netizen shows Tesla's stock price in Yichang, Hubei province, China, December 12, 2024. According to the sales data released by Tesla China, from December 2 to December 8, 2024, Tesla sold 21,900 vehicles in China, the highest single week sales since the fourth quarter of 2024.

Tesla's Sales Hit A Record in China

Tesla's Sales Hit A Record in China

A netizen shows Tesla's stock price in Yichang, Hubei province, China, December 12, 2024. According to the sales data released by Tesla China, from December 2 to December 8, 2024, Tesla sold 21,900 vehicles in China, the highest single week sales since the fourth quarter of 2024.

Türkiye's annual inflation nears 70 pct in April

STORY: Türkiye's annual inflation nears 70 pct in April SHOOTING TIME: Earlier footage DATELINE: May 4, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:27 LOCATION: Ankara CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of people shopping in a bazaar in Türkiye (April 20, 2024) (courtesy of ihlas news agency) 2. various of tourists at a hotel in Türkiye (April 5, 2024) 3. various of people at cafes and restaurants in Türkiye (April 29, 2024) 4. various of people at an intercity bus terminal in Türkiye (July 19, 2023) (courtesy of ihlas news agency) STORYLINE: Türkiye's annual inflation rate rose to 69.8 percent in April, the highest in one and a half years, according to official data released on Friday. The annual consumer inflation continued to rise, mainly due to the increase in service prices. According to data released by the Turkish Statistical Institute, the monthly consumer price index increased by 3.18 percent in April. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco saw the highest price increase of 9.56 percent in the month, followed by

Laos' inflation eases slightly to 24.92 pct in April

STORY: Laos' inflation eases slightly to 24.92 pct in April SHOOTING TIME: May 2, 2024 DATELINE: May 3, 2024 LENGTH: 00:02:26 LOCATION: Vientiane CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of a bank in Laos 2. various of a road in Laos 3. various of a market in Laos STORYLINE: Laos recorded an inflation rate of 24.92 percent in April, a slight decrease from 24.98 percent in March, the Lao Statistics Bureau said on Monday. According to the report released by the Lao Statistics Bureau on its website, the unstable price of fuel, gas and other imported goods, together with the depreciation of the Lao currency kip, are among the main drivers of the inflation. The highest price rise in April was recorded in the clothing and footwear category, which stood at 37.62 percent year-on-year. Other categories included medical care and medicines at 36.09 percent, alcohol and tobacco at 28.52 percent, household goods at 27.08 percent, and communications and transport at 25.99 percent. Laos' economy is exposed

Türkiye's inflation nears 65 pct in January

STORY: Türkiye's inflation nears 65 pct in January SHOOTING TIME: FILE DATELINE: Feb. 6, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:15 LOCATION: Ankara CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of people shopping in the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Türkiye (Feb. 2, 2024) (courtesy of Ihlas News Agency) 2. various of people shopping in a discount clothes shop in Istanbul, Türkiye (Feb. 3, 2024) (courtesy of Ihlas News Agency) 3. Turkish Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek (Jan. 31, 2024) (courtesy of Ihlas News Agency) 4. various of people shopping in Ankara, Türkiye (Dec. 19, 2023) 5. various of Turkish lira (Nov. 30, 2023) STORYLINE Türkiye's annual inflation rate rose slightly to 64.86 percent in January from 64.77 percent last December, according to official data released Monday. The Turkish Statistical Institute said monthly inflation increased 6.7 percent in January, the highest since August 2023, due to a large increase in the minimum wage and new-year price adjustments. Turkish Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet

Japan's 2023 core inflation hits 41-year high

STORY: Japan's 2023 core inflation hits 41-year high SHOOTING TIME: Jan. 19, 2024 DATELINE: Jan. 19, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:49 LOCATION: Tokyo CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of cities in Japan STORYLINE: Japan's core consumer prices rose 3.1 pct in 2023 from the previous year, marking the fastest growth in 41 years, the government said in a report on Friday. The core consumer price index (CPI) for the year, excluding fresh food prices because of their volatility, came in at 105.2 against the 2020 base of 100, with its pace of increase fastening from 2.3 percent in 2022, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. The yearly increase, which remained above the Bank of Japan's 2 percent inflation target for the second consecutive year, marked the highest level since 1983. It came despite government subsidies to lower household utility bills, underscoring higher import costs that were inflated by a sharp drop of the yen, a byproduct of the Bank of Japan's monetary easing,

[Breaking News] Nikkei ends at nearly 34-year high

TOKYO, Japan Kyodo - A roadside financial data screen in Tokyo on Jan. 10, 2024, shows the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average closing at 34,441.72, marking its highest close since February 1990, when Japan was in the midst of an asset price bubble. (Kyodo)

Nikkei ends at nearly 34-year high

Nikkei ends at nearly 34-year high

A roadside financial data screen in Tokyo on Jan. 10, 2024, shows the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average closing at 34,441.72, marking its highest close since February 1990, when Japan was in the midst of an asset price bubble.

Nikkei ends at 34-year high

Nikkei ends at 34-year high

A roadside financial data screen in Tokyo on Jan. 9, 2024, shows the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average closing at 33,763.18, its highest finish since March 9, 1990, when Japan was in the midst of an asset price bubble.

Nikkei ends at 34-year high

Nikkei ends at 34-year high

A roadside financial data screen in Tokyo on Jan. 9, 2024, shows the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average closing at 33,763.18, its highest finish since March 9, 1990, when Japan was in the midst of an asset price bubble.

Nikkei ends at 34-year high

Nikkei ends at 34-year high

A roadside financial data screen in Tokyo on Jan. 9, 2024, shows the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average closing at 33,763.18, its highest finish since March 9, 1990, when Japan was in the midst of an asset price bubble.

Nikkei ends at 34-year high

Nikkei ends at 34-year high

A roadside financial data screen in Tokyo on Jan. 9, 2024, shows the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average closing at 33,763.18, its highest finish since March 9, 1990, when Japan was in the midst of an asset price bubble.

Tuna fetches 114 million yen at New Year auction in Tokyo

TOKYO, Japan Kyodo - A bluefin tuna fetched 114.24 million yen ($789,000) on Friday at the New Year's auction at Tokyo's Toyosu fish market, the fourth highest price since record-keeping began in 1999.

Istanbul's 2023 annual inflation nears 75 percent

STORY: Istanbul's 2023 annual inflation nears 75 percent SHOOTING TIME: file footage DATELINE: Jan. 3, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:03 LOCATION: ISTANBUL, Türkiye CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Istanbul city in Türkiye 2. various of people walking in the city center in Istanbul, Türkiye 3. various of people shopping in supermarket in Istanbul, Türkiye STORYLINE: The annual inflation for retail prices in Türkiye's largest city, Istanbul, reached 74.88 percent year-on-year in 2023, the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO) reported Tuesday. Data from ITO, one of the world's largest chambers with over 700,000 members, showed that monthly inflation for retail prices in the city of nearly 16 million people increased by 3.52 percent in December. The highest price increases in December were reported for "health and personal care," followed by "culture, education and entertainment" and food products, with 5.15, 5.10, and 4.90 percent hikes respectively. In line with the newly announced data, shops in Kur

Over 1 mln Afghan mothers, children short of nutrition assistance: WFP

STORY: Over 1 mln Afghan mothers, children short of nutrition assistance: WFP DATELINE: Oct. 3, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:28 LOCATION: Kabul CATEGORY: HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. various of the Central Hospital of Kunduz province, Afghanistan STORYLINE: More than 1 million mothers and children in Afghanistan are no longer receiving nutrition assistance due to a massive funding shortage, World Food Programme (WFP) Afghanistan announced on Monday on social media. "Women pay the highest price for the assistance cuts in Afghanistan," the organization said on X, formerly known as Twitter. In Afghanistan, over 6 million people received emergency food, cash, nutrition, and livelihoods support in August, whereas the WFP could only support 3 million people per month with life-saving food due to the funding crisis, according to the organization's post in late September. The WFP and other international organizations have been raising alarms about potentially more severe food shortages in the upcoming harsh winter in the

India's retail inflation falls to 6.83 pct in August

STORY: India's retail inflation falls to 6.83 pct in August DATELINE: Sept. 13, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:13 LOCATION: New Delhi CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of India gate 2. various of vegetables in markets STORYLINE: The retail inflation in India fell to 6.83 percent in August from 7.44 percent in July, official data showed on Tuesday. The fall was attributed to the reduction in prices of vegetables, particularly tomatoes in August, compared to the previous month. The retail inflation of 7.44 percent in July was the highest in the past 15 months. The price data were collected from selected 1,114 urban markets and 1,181 villages through personal visits by field staff of the Field Operations Division of the National Statistical Office (NSO) on a weekly roster. The retail inflation still remains above the tolerance limit of 2-6 percent of the South Asian country's central bank. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from New Delhi. (XHTV)

U.S. gas prices hit 10-month highs amid tighter supplies, heatwaves

STORY: U.S. gas prices hit 10-month highs amid tighter supplies, heatwaves DATELINE: Aug. 19, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:44 LOCATION: Washington D.C. CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of a gas station in Arlington, the U.S. state of Virginia STORYLINE: U.S. gas prices surged to an average of 3.87 U.S. dollars a gallon nationally on Thursday, the highest level in 10 months, data showed. That's 31 cents higher than a month ago, but still below the record high of 5.02 dollars in June 2022, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). California has been on the top of the 10 most expensive markets across the country, with an average of 5.18 dollars a gallon, followed by Washington, Hawaii, Oregon and Alaska. The summertime gas price spike has been driven by lower gasoline stockpiles and a series of refinery outages caused by extreme heat. Goldman Sachs estimated that record heat levels in Texas have likely led to a sharp 2 percent slump in U.S. refiners' product yields over the past few weeks. AAA

15-year-high gasoline prices in Japan

15-year-high gasoline prices in Japan

A price board at a gas station in Nagoya, central Japan, shows regular gasoline at 175 yen ($1.23) per liter on Aug. 2, 2023. Industry ministry data released the same day shows the average retail price for regular gasoline in Japan hit 176.70 yen per liter as of July 31, its highest in about 15 years.

15-year-high gasoline prices in Japan

15-year-high gasoline prices in Japan

A price board at a gas station in Tokyo shows regular gasoline at 180 yen ($1.27) per liter on Aug. 2, 2023. Industry ministry data released the same day shows the average retail price for regular gasoline in Japan hit 176.70 yen per liter as of July 31, its highest in about 15 years.

15-year-high gasoline prices in Japan

15-year-high gasoline prices in Japan

A price board at a gas station in Tokyo shows regular gasoline at 180 yen ($1.27) per liter on Aug. 2, 2023. Industry ministry data released the same day shows the average retail price for regular gasoline in Japan hit 176.70 yen per liter as of July 31, its highest in about 15 years.

Bank of England raises interest rate to 5 pct

STORY: Bank of England raises interest rate to 5 pct DATELINE: June 23, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:40 LOCATION: London CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Bank of England 2. various of streets in London 3. various of a supermarket in London STORYLINE: The Bank of England (BoE) has raised its benchmark interest rate by 0.5 percentage points to 5 percent, the central bank said in a statement on Thursday. At its meeting ending on Wednesday, the BoE's Monetary Policy Committee voted by a majority of seven to two in favor of the decision, the statement added. It came as the 13th consecutive rate hike since December 2021 as the central bank has battled against stubbornly high inflation, bringing the interest rate to the highest since 2008. The United Kingdom's (UK) consumer price index (CPI) rose by 8.7 percent in the 12 months to May, unchanged from April. This is 0.3 percentage points higher than expected in the BoE's May report. There has been significant upside news in recent data that indicates m

China Stock Market China Mobile

China Stock Market China Mobile

The logo of China Mobile is seen in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China, June 9, 2023. On the same day, China Mobile's A-share price broke through the 100 yuan mark, rising nearly 6% to close at 102.66 yuan/share, and the total market value reached 2.194 trillion yuan, surpassing the market value of Kweichow Moutai, becoming the highest value in the A-stock market.

China Stock Market China Mobile

China Stock Market China Mobile

The logo of China Mobile is seen in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China, June 9, 2023. On the same day, China Mobile's A-share price broke through the 100 yuan mark, rising nearly 6% to close at 102.66 yuan/share, and the total market value reached 2.194 trillion yuan, surpassing the market value of Kweichow Moutai, becoming the highest value in the A-stock market.

China Stock Market China Mobile

China Stock Market China Mobile

The logo of China Mobile is seen in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China, June 9, 2023. On the same day, China Mobile's A-share price broke through the 100 yuan mark, rising nearly 6% to close at 102.66 yuan/share, and the total market value reached 2.194 trillion yuan, surpassing the market value of Kweichow Moutai, becoming the highest value in the A-stock market.

China Stock Market China Mobile

China Stock Market China Mobile

The logo of China Mobile is seen in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China, June 9, 2023. On the same day, China Mobile's A-share price broke through the 100 yuan mark, rising nearly 6% to close at 102.66 yuan/share, and the total market value reached 2.194 trillion yuan, surpassing the market value of Kweichow Moutai, becoming the highest value in the A-stock market.

Nikkei ends at 33-yr high

Nikkei ends at 33-yr high

A roadside financial data screen in Tokyo on June 5, 2023, shows the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average closing at 32,217.43, its highest finish since July 20, 1990, when Japan was experiencing an asset price bubble.

Nikkei ends at 33-yr high

Nikkei ends at 33-yr high

A roadside financial data screen in Tokyo on June 5, 2023, shows the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average closing at 32,217.43, its highest finish since July 20, 1990, when Japan was experiencing an asset price bubble.

Nikkei ends at 33-yr high

Nikkei ends at 33-yr high

A roadside financial data screen in Tokyo on June 5, 2023, shows the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average closing at 32,217.43, its highest finish since July 20, 1990, when Japan was experiencing an asset price bubble.

Nikkei ends at 33-yr high

Nikkei ends at 33-yr high

A roadside financial data screen in Tokyo on May 19, 2023, shows the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average closing at 30,808.35, its highest finish since Aug. 1, 1990, when Japan was experiencing an asset price bubble.

Nikkei ends at 33-yr high

Nikkei ends at 33-yr high

A roadside financial data screen in Tokyo on May 19, 2023, shows the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average closing at 30,808.35, its highest finish since Aug. 1, 1990, when Japan was experiencing an asset price bubble.

UK shop price inflation hits new high: BRC

STORY: UK shop price inflation hits new high: BRC DATELINE: March 29, 2023 LENGTH: 00:04:13 LOCATION: London CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Bank of England 2. various of a supermarket in London 3. various of a market in London STORYLINE: Prices in shops across the United Kingdom (UK) rose at a record pace in March, especially food prices, said the British Retail Consortium (BRC) on Tuesday. According to the BRC, prices have yet to peak. Shop price annual inflation accelerated to a record 8.9 percent in March, the BRC said. This was up from 8.4 percent in February. Meanwhile, food price inflation soared to 15 percent in March, up from 14.5 percent in February. This is also the highest inflation rate on record in the food category, said the BRC. Helen Dickinson, BRC's Chief Executive, warned that although food prices will likely ease in the coming months as the country enters the growing season, "wider inflation is expected to remain high." The ongoing cost-of-living crisis has also changed t

UK inflation unexpectedly jumps to 10.4 pct: ONS

STORY: UK inflation unexpectedly jumps to 10.4 pct: ONS DATELINE: March 23, 2023 LENGTH: 00:03:40 LOCATION: London CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of supermarket and farm market in London STORYLINE: The United Kingdom's (UK) consumer price index (CPI) rose to 10.4 percent in the 12 months to February 2023 from 10.1 percent in January, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said on Wednesday. The 10.4 percent rise was higher than the 9.9 percent forecast by economists polled by Reuters, dampening expectations for a marked drop in inflation. Inflation had been falling from the 41-year-high of 11.1 percent in October 2022 for three months. Commenting on the CPI figures, ONS chief economist Grant Fitzner said that inflation was mainly driven by "rising alcohol prices in pubs and restaurants following discounting in January." "Food and non-alcoholic drink prices rose to their highest level in over 45 years with particular increases for some salad and vegetable items as high energy costs and

Tunisia's inflation rate exceeds 10 pct in first 2 months of 2023

STORY: Tunisia's inflation rate exceeds 10 pct in first 2 months of 2023 DATELINE: March 10, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:22 LOCATION: Tunis CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Tunisian supermarket 2. various of fast food restaurants in Tunis 3. street view in Tunis STORYLINE: The Tunisian National Bureau of Statistics announced in early March that the country's inflation rate remained high in the first two months of 2023, while it was 10.4 percent in February and 10.2 percent in January. According to the statistics, the inflation rate in Tunisia in the past six months is the highest in the past 40 years, and it will remain at a high level in 2023. Among household consumer goods, food prices, especially meat and eggs, have risen most prominently. Compared with the same period last year, the price of eggs has increased by 32 percent, mutton by 30 percent, chicken by 25 percent, and beef by 22 percent. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Tunis. (XHTV)

Laos's inflation hits 23-year high of 40.3 pct in January

STORY: Laos's inflation hits 23-year high of 40.3 pct in January DATELINE: Feb. 7, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:47 LOCATION: Vientiane CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the market STORYLINE: Laos's inflation rate climbed to 40.3 percent year-on-year in January 2023, the highest in 23 years, with a surge in energy and consumer goods prices. According to a report issued by the Lao Statistics Bureau on Monday, the soaring price of fuel, gas and other imported goods, compounded with the depreciation of the Lao currency kip, are among the main factors driving inflation. The price of communications and transport rose 49.9 percent, affecting both the cost of production and the cost of living. Meanwhile, the price of food and non-alcoholic beverages category jumped by 47.1 percent. The cost of medical care and medicine increased by 42.2 percent. The cost of household utilities gained 34.2 percent. According to the report, the cost of the hotel and restaurant category surged 34 percent. The cost in the alcohol an

Bank of England raises rates to 4 pct

STORY: Bank of England raises rates to 4 pct DATELINE: Feb. 3, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:37 LOCATION: London CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Bank of England 2. various of BoE February press conference 3. various of London streets and supermarket STORYLINE: The Bank of England (BoE) raised its benchmark interest rate on Thursday by half a percentage point to 4 percent, its highest level since autumn 2008. At its meeting on Wednesday, the BoE's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted in favor of the increase by a majority of 7-2, the bank said in a statement. This is the 10th consecutive rate hike since December 2021 as the BoE continues its fight against inflation, which slowed to 10.5 percent in December 2022 from a 41-year high of 11.1 percent in October. "Global consumer price inflation remains high, although it is likely to have peaked across many advanced economies, including in the United Kingdom (UK)," the BoE said, adding that domestic inflationary pressures have been firmer than expected.

Israeli annual CPI hits 20-year-high of 5.3 pct

STORY: Israeli annual CPI hits 20-year-high of 5.3 pct DATELINE: Jan. 17, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:20 LOCATION: Jerusalem CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Jerusalem streets 2. various of Prof. Amir Yaron announcing rate increase in October 3. various of people in the streets 4. various of construction 5. various of people in the streets STORYLINE: The consumer price index (CPI) in Israel rose by 5.3 percent in 2022, according to data issued by the Central Bureau of Statistics on Sunday, the highest calendar-year level since 2002 when the annual inflation rate was 6.5 percent. This is a sharp rise from 2020 which recorded a deflation of 0.7 percent and 2021 when the annual CPI was 2.8 percent. Inflation is continuing to rise even though the Israeli central bank has gradually raised the base interest rate from 0.1 percent in April 2022 to 3.75 percent at present. "The global shortage of raw materials continued, and demand still exceeds supply, so even the sharp interest increase still does not

Inflation in Laos climbs to 39.3 pct in December

STORY: Inflation in Laos climbs to 39.3 pct in December DATELINE: Jan. 9, 2023 LENGTH: 0:01:55 LOCATION: Vientiane CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the Central Bank of Laos 2. various of the market STORYLINE: Inflation in Laos increased to 39.3 percent year-on-year in December, the highest rate of 2022, according to a report issued by the Lao Statistics Bureau on Saturday. The year-on-year inflation rate in Laos increased from 38.46 percent in November to 39.3 percent in December. The higher prices of the communications and transport, consumer goods and the continuing depreciation of the Lao currency kip are among the main factors driving inflation. According to the report, costs in the communications and transport category rose by 50.4 percent year-on-year in December. The price of food and non-alcoholic beverages has surged by 45.9 percent. In addition, the cost of the housing category surged by 32.1 percent. The cost of medical care and medicine increased by 42.1 percent. Meanwh

"Densukesuika" watermelon

"Densukesuika" watermelon

ASAHIKAWA, Japan, June 14 Kyodo - Photo taken June 14, 2018, in the northern Japan city of Asahikawa shows a "Densukesuika" watermelon (L) that fetched the highest price of 550,000 yen (about $5,000) at the season's first auction the same day.

Nikkei hits nearly 7-year high in morning

Nikkei hits nearly 7-year high in morning

TOKYO, Japan - A screen at a financial institution in Tokyo shows the final price of the Nikkei stock index in the morning deal on Sept. 25, 2014. The benchmark index rose to as high as 16,365.04, its highest level on an intraday basis since Nov. 5, 2007.

'Matsutake' mushrooms auctioned off for high price

'Matsutake' mushrooms auctioned off for high price

HASHIMOTO, Japan - Hidenori Kawai, a food shop owner in Hashimoto, Wakayama Prefecture, shows "matsutake" mushrooms from Koya in the western Japan prefecture bought in his successful bid at a local market on Sept. 16, 2014. The highest winning bid was 60,000 yen per kilogram, which would fetch a retail price of around 10,000 apiece.

Black-rind watermelon sold for 250,000 yen

Black-rind watermelon sold for 250,000 yen

ASAHIKAWA, Japan - Auctioneers examine a black-rind watermelon that was priced at 250,000 yen for the year's first auction at a fresh produce market in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, on June 13, 2011. The year's first auctions for the fancy fruit from the Hokkaido town of Toma were held in Asahikawa and Sapporo, with a melon fetching 300,000 yen in Sapporo, the highest price that day.

New Year globefish auction in Shimonoseki

New Year globefish auction in Shimonoseki

SHIMONOSEKI, Japan - Brokers take part in the year's first auction for globefish at the Haedomari market in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture, on Jan. 4, 2011. The highest bid reached 28,000 yen per kilogram, more than double the previous year's top price.

Pink diamond sold for $46 million

Pink diamond sold for $46 million

GENEVA, Switzerland - A Sotheby's employee holds up a 24.78-carat ''Fancy Intense Pink'' diamond on Nov. 10, 2010, in Geneva. The jewelry was sold on Nov. 16, 2010, at the auction house for $45.6 million, the highest price ever paid for a diamond.