Nikkei Seen Reaching New Heights Amid Takaichi Victory

The Nikkei index is expected to reach new highs due to the victory of Takaichi in Japan, which has weakened the yen and bonds. Chip-related shares have driven the index to a record high, while the tech sector has boosted Asian and European markets. The yen and bonds have suffered as a result of Takaichi's victory, which is expected to lead to a rise in the Nikkei index.

Robinhood, the popular discount brokerage, is planning to expand its prediction markets to the UK and European markets following the success of its US-based platform. The company, known for democratizing stock trading, has seen significant growth in its prediction market, with over 4 billion event contracts traded, including more than 2 billion in the third quarter of 2025 Robinhood to Expand Prediction Markets to UK and European Markets^[1].

The expansion comes as Robinhood’s prediction markets have gained traction, particularly during the 2024 US presidential election, where decentralized platforms like Polymarket processed billions in trades Robinhood to Expand Prediction Markets to UK and European Markets^[1]. The company's vice president and general manager of futures, JB Mackenzie, has indicated strong demand for these products in the UK and Europe, stating, "We’re definitely looking to offer it globally, and my goal or focus is to make sure it’s a regulatory-compliant product everywhere we go" Robinhood to Expand Prediction Markets to UK and European Markets^[1].

However, regulatory hurdles pose a significant challenge for international expansion. In the US, prediction markets are classified as futures and regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). In contrast, other jurisdictions may classify similar products under gambling laws. Robinhood is currently in discussions with the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to determine how to comply with local regulations Robinhood to Expand Prediction Markets to UK and European Markets^[1].

Unlike decentralized prediction markets, Robinhood’s platform is built on traditional financial infrastructure, with event contracts executed through Kalshi, a CFTC-regulated derivatives exchange, and settled in US dollars Robinhood to Expand Prediction Markets to UK and European Markets^[1]. This approach differs from decentralized platforms like Polymarket, which operate on blockchain networks and use smart contracts to automate trades and payouts.

The growth of prediction markets has been evident in the 2024 US presidential election, where platforms like Polymarket saw peak activity. Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has commented on the phenomenon, suggesting that election cycles are just the beginning Robinhood to Expand Prediction Markets to UK and European Markets^[1].

With Robinhood’s planned expansion, the prediction market could open to a much larger group of traders, potentially mainstreaming these products. The company’s established user base and regulated status could facilitate this growth.

The Nikkei index is expected to reach new highs due to the victory of Takaichi in Japan, which has weakened the yen and bonds. Chip-related shares have driven the index to a record high, while the tech sector has boosted Asian and European markets. The yen and bonds have suffered as a result of Takaichi's victory, which is expected to lead to a rise in the Nikkei index.

The timeline for Robinhood’s international prediction market launch remains unclear as the company works through regulatory requirements in each target market. Robinhood’s representatives are actively engaging with overseas regulators to explore how localized versions of the product could be structured.