View from the Observation Deck

1. The Nikkei 225 Index has traded in a fairly tight range for the past 10 years. History has rewarded investors who bought around or below the 8000 level.
2. Since 7/12/02, the Nikkei 225's high was 18261.98 (7/9/07), while the low was 7054.98 (3/10/09). Its average price was 11614.71.
3. From a bottom on 3/10/09 (7054.98) through that particular rally's peak on 6/12/09 (10135.82), the Nikkei 225 Index posted a price-only return of 44% (USD).
4. The chart shows the index has experienced a bit of a rally  of late as it bounced off its recent low of 8295.63 on 6/4/12 to close at 8720.01 on 7/12/12.
5. Year-to-date through 7/12, the Nikkei 225 Index's price-only return is 1.20% (USD).