Political turmoil at home and abroad sparks panic! Retailers rush to sell Japanese stocks, selling amount hits new high in three months

Individual traders sold a record amount of cash shares in Japan last week amid the tense battle between Harris and Trump in the U.S. presidential election, according to the Japan Exchange Group, netting 743.7 billion yen ($4.8 billion) in cash shares in the week ended Nov. 8, though the Nikkei 225 rose 3.7 percent as the yen weakened on Trump's victory, which was also the eve of the prime minister's election on Monday.

Jumpei Tanaka, strategist at Pictet Asset Management Japan Ltd., said individual investors may adjust their positions ahead of the U.S. election and exit from domestic political instability, selling shares. He added that concerns about intervention in the yen, which fell below 150 against the dollar again, may also have been a factor.

Other data showed foreign investors were net buyers, adding 193.8 billion yen in cash shares.