Japan stock buybacks hit $57bn, speeding toward annual record

TOKYO -- Share buybacks in Japan are running at a record pace this year as listed companies respond to pressure to use capital more efficiently.

Announced stock-repurchasing plans came to an all-time high of roughly 9 trillion yen ($57 billion) for the January-May period, up roughly 60% on the year and close to the full-year record marked in 2023, a Nikkei tally shows.