On March 17, 2026, Nikkei announced that it will replace eight constituents of the Nikkei 500 Stock Average as part of its regular annual review, with the changes scheduled to take effect on April 1 [1]. Among the additions are Kokusai Electric and Rakuten Bank, while companies such as Toho Titanium and Sumitomo Osaka Cement will be removed from the index [1]. The review process is based on trading volume, trading value, and market capitalization over the past three years [1].
The reshuffle also reflects structural changes within certain companies. Hino Motors will be excluded from the index following the listing of a new holding company, Archion, which was created through its merger with Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus [1]. Additionally, Aiful will be removed due to the establishment of a wholly owned parent company, Muninova Holdings [1].
No specific market reactions, analyst opinions, or forward-looking statements were provided in the article [1].
CONCLUSION
The Nikkei 500 Stock Average will undergo significant changes with eight constituent replacements, reflecting both market performance and corporate restructuring. The inclusion of Kokusai Electric and Rakuten Bank, along with the removal of several companies, is part of Nikkei's annual review process. Market implications are not explicitly discussed in the source.