Final revised figures.
Despite BoJ token hike, intervention chatter and strong domestic economy, USDJPY is at 152 levels.
Something is clearly wrong. pic.twitter.com/JiqAZsOHKz
— The Macro Guy (@SagarSinghSetia) April 4, 2024
In a perplexing turn of events, the foreign exchange market plunges into chaos as the Japanese yen struggles to find stability, defying the Bank of Japan’s concerted efforts to stem its decline.
Despite the BoJ’s token interest rate hike, persistent intervention chatter, and a resilient domestic economy, the USDJPY pair hovers ominously around 152 levels—an alarming indicator of underlying turmoil.
Something is amiss. Even Japan’s first interest rate hike in 17 years has failed to deliver the anticipated boost to the yen, leaving policymakers scratching their heads in bewilderment. Analysts identify four key factors contributing to the yen’s persistent weakness:
- Japan’s abysmally low interest rates, which pale in comparison to the rest of the world.
- Speculation that the yen’s depreciation hasn’t reached a threshold to warrant intervention.
- A landscape of low market volatility that favors carry trades over safe-haven assets.
- Lingering signs that the yen’s downward trajectory shows no signs of abating, further dampening its appeal to investors.
Amidst this turmoil, Japan’s real exports stagnate, adding to the nation’s economic woes. With the yen’s woes showing no signs of abating, investors brace themselves for further turbulence in the FX market.
— Invariant Perspective (@InvariantPersp1) April 4, 2024