Japan Economy

Japan 'Alarmed' by Yen's Slide, Warns of Intervention

The Japanese government is "alarmed" by recent sharp moves in the currency market and stands ready to intervene if speculative activity becomes excessive, top finance officials said on Friday, reports Reuters. This strong statement comes as the yen continues its rapid decline against the dollar. The dollar reached

Japan's Inflation Accelerates, Keeping Rate Hike Prospects Alive

Japan's core inflation accelerated in November, rising to 2.7% year-on-year, according to government data released Friday, reports Reuters. This increase, slightly exceeding analysts' forecasts, keeps pressure on the Bank of Japan (BOJ) to consider further interest rate hikes. The BOJ, which opted to keep rates steady

Bank of Japan Stands Pat, Keeping Rates Unchanged

The Bank of Japan (BOJ) on Thursday opted to keep its accommodative monetary policy unchanged, maintaining its key policy rate at 0.25% for the third consecutive meeting, reports Nikkei Asia. The decision, while expected, comes as the Japanese economy shows uneven performance and consumer inflation signals a potential cooling

Japan's Exports Surge Past Expectations, But Trump Uncertainty Clouds Horizon

Japan's exports rose more than expected in November, driven by a weaker yen and robust global demand, according to data released Wednesday by the Ministry of Finance, reports Reuters. However, businesses express growing concern that protectionist trade policies under President-elect Donald Trump could undermine future growth. Total exports

Tokyo Stock Exchange Sees Record Delistings in Quality Drive

The Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) is set to see a record number of delistings in 2024, with 94 companies expected to depart the market, marking the first-ever annual decrease in the number of listed companies, reports Nikkei Asia. This surge in delistings is part of a broader effort by the

Japanese Business Mood Improves Slightly, But Global Risks Remain

Japanese business confidence edged higher in the three months to December, according to a Bank of Japan (BOJ) survey released Friday, offering some reassurance to the central bank as it navigates a gradual path toward higher interest rates, reports Reuters. While sentiment among large manufacturers improved, rising to +14 from

BOJ Governor Sees Increased Likelihood of Wage-Driven Inflation

Bank of Japan (BOJ) Governor Kazuo Ueda expressed optimism on Monday about Japan's progress toward achieving sustained inflation driven by rising wages, signaling that conditions for future interest rate hikes are gradually improving, as reported by Reuters. In a speech to business leaders in Nagoya, Ueda stated, "

JGB Yields Edge Up, Investors Await US & Japan Economic Signals

Japanese government bond (JGB) yields edged higher on Tuesday, tracking a rise in US Treasury yields during Asian trading hours, according to Reuters. Investors are awaiting fresh signals on the economic outlooks for both the United States and Japan. The 10-year JGB yield rose 0.5 basis point (bps) to

BOJ Policymakers Divided on Pace of Rate Hike

The Bank of Japan (BOJ) remains divided on the appropriate timing for raising interest rates, according to a summary of opinions from its October policy meeting released on Monday, reports Reuters. Several board members expressed concern about the potential for renewed market volatility if rates are raised too quickly. They

Japan's Wage Growth Strengthens Case for BOJ Rate Hike

Japanese workers' base salaries saw their largest increase in over three decades in September, bolstering the Bank of Japan's (BOJ) view that the economy is on a recovery path and supporting the case for a rate hike in the coming months, reports Bloomberg. The pace of gains