Mask, new-flu product maker stocks rise as epidemic spreads in Japan

Thursday 20th August, 07:08 AM JST

TOKYO —

Shares of pharmaceutical firms and others associated with the making of influenza-related products bucked the downtrend in the Tokyo stock market Wednesday as the government confirmed the third death in relation to the new H1N1 strain of influenza A and said an epidemic has fully begun in the nation. Shikibo, which makes antibacterial masks, soared 53 yen, almost 26%, to 260 yen, while rival Daiwabo Holdings jumped almost 7%. Nippon Avionics, an infrared thermography equipment maker, climbed 21 yen, over 10%, to 229 yen.

‘‘Appetite for mask maker and other flu-related shares is very strong…and while this is not happy news, we might have to be prepared for the popularity of these stocks to continue for a while,’’ said Tsuyoshi Segawa, an equity strategist at Mizuho Securities Co. Among other gainers, Chugai Pharmaceutical, which sells Tamiflu in Japan, rose 63 yen, over 3%, to 1,893 yen, and Denki Kagaku Kogyo, whose subsidiary makes flu vaccines, gained almost 4%.

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2 Comments

kanadamanada at 09:07 AM JST - 20th August

JT actually gets the scoop on this flu "epidemic"! Now people can begin to see where the money behind this so-called "epidemic" comes from. It would be very interesting to see how many J-media execs are being wined and dined by shareholders of the above mentioned companies. The Donald Rumsfeld / Tamiflu / bird flu now swine flu pack of lies comes to mind.
stirfry at 01:22 PM JST - 20th August

i need to come up with a good flu scam to spring on the dopey locals