Quick Look:
- USD/JPY reached 157.50 due to the US Federal Reserve’s hawkish stance.
- The US maintains high rates (5.25%-5.5%), while BoJ keeps rates at 0%.
- Possible rate cut in 2024; cautious approach until inflation goals are met.
- Potential reduction in bond purchases and rate hikes to address yen weakness.
The USD/JPY pair has maintained a robust upward trajectory, reaching approximately 157.50 during the early Asian trading session on Monday. This increase is largely attributed to several key drivers influencing market dynamics. Among these, the continued hawkish stance of the US Federal Reserve has played a pivotal role. The Fed has substantially supported the US dollar by maintaining higher interest rates. Meanwhile, BoJ drove the pair’s upward movement.
BoJ Holds Rates at 0%, Eyes Potential Hike
In contrast, the Bank of Japan (BoJ) has kept its interest rate steady at 0% following its June policy meeting. This decision further amplifies the divergence between US and Japanese monetary policies, contributing to the sustained strength of the USD/JPY pair. The contrasting approaches of these two central banks highlight each country’s broader economic strategies to manage their respective economic challenges.
The current US interest rate range is 5.25% to 5.5%. While the outlook for 2024 includes a revision to potentially one rate cut, Federal Reserve officials remain cautious. Jerome Powell, the Federal Reserve Chair, has emphasised the need for more compelling evidence of inflation moving towards the 2% target before considering rate cuts. This stance underscores a lack of confidence in making rate reductions, reflecting a prudent approach to monetary policy.
US Consumer Sentiment Drops to 65.6 in June
Similarly, Neel Kashkari, the Minneapolis Fed President, suggested that the Federal Reserve wait until December before contemplating any rate cuts. This cautious approach indicates that the Fed is wary of acting prematurely, prioritising a sustainable reduction in inflation over immediate rate cuts. The Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index, a key consumer confidence measure, declined to 65.6 in June from 69.1 in the previous month. This figure is also below the forecasted 72.0, indicating a dip in consumer optimism, which could influence future economic decisions.
The BoJ maintains its interest rates from 0% to 0.1%, reflecting a more accommodative monetary stance than the US. There is speculation that the BoJ might reduce its purchases of Japanese government bonds following its July meeting. This potential policy shift comes amidst concerns about the weak yen pushing import costs. BoJ Governor Kazuo Ueda has hinted at the possibility of raising interest rates in July, should the weak yen continue to elevate import costs, signalling a readiness to adjust policy in response to economic conditions.
BoJ’s Strategy: NY Manufacturing Index Improves to -13.0
Commentary from market analysts like Takayuki Miyajima indicates that the BoJ remains cautious about reducing bond purchases, signalling prudence in their approach to potential rate increases. This cautious stance reflects the broader economic strategy of the BoJ, balancing the need to support economic growth while managing inflationary pressures.
The machinery orders in April saw a decline of 2.9%, following a 2.9% increase in March. This data point is crucial for assessing the health of Japan’s industrial sector and provides insight into the broader economic trends. Meanwhile, the June NY Empire State Manufacturing Index forecast indicates a slight improvement, with the index expected to rise from -15.6 to -13.0. This marginal increase points to a tentative recovery in the manufacturing sector, reflecting the complex interplay of factors influencing the US economy.
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