Japan’s Takaichi: Prioritise measures to bolster economy by building on competitive strengths

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated on Friday that strengthening areas where Japan has a competitive advantage will be central to the government’s efforts to bolster the economy. With market turbulence affecting countries worldwide as well as Japan, she said the government would keep a close watch on developments and evaluate their possible effects.

Takaichi outlines economic priorities

Aware AI, chip shares dropping sharply, unsure if temporary or lasting. 

Focus on measures to reinforce economy by enhancing areas with competitive edge. 

Market turbulence impacting not only Japan but nations worldwide, so monitoring progress closely. 

Aim to use proceeds from BoJ’s faster ETF sales to fund spending on key areas for Japan's economic security. 

Proceeds from BoJ ETF sales reflect Japan's economic growth, should be used to promote further growth and a virtuous economic cycle. 

Proceeds from BoJ's accelerated ETF sales can fund bonds to help government secure funds for public spending targeting public investment. 

TMGM Analysis: Financial Market News, Economic Calendar & Market Insights

USD/JPY edges lower

Trading at 157.90 at the time of writing, USD/JPY is 0.07% lower on the day.

Japanese Yen: Key Drivers Explained

Among the world’s most actively traded currencies, the Japanese Yen (JPY) broadly reflects the performance of Japan’s economy. More specific influences include Bank of Japan policy, the gap between Japanese and US bond yields and traders’ appetite for risk, alongside other factors.

Currency control forms part of the Bank of Japan’s mandate, making its actions an important influence on the Yen. On occasion, the BoJ has intervened directly in currency markets, usually with the aim of weakening the Yen. Political concerns among Japan’s main trading partners, however, discourage frequent intervention. Between 2013 and 2024, the BoJ’s ultra-loose monetary policy weakened the Yen against its major currency peers as the policy gap between the Bank of Japan and other leading central banks widened. More recently, a gradual withdrawal of that ultra-loose stance has provided some support for the Yen.

By maintaining ultra-loose monetary policy over the past decade, the BoJ moved further apart from other central banks, notably the US Federal Reserve. That divergence helped widen the yield gap between 10-year US and Japanese bonds, favouring the US Dollar over the Japanese Yen. The gap is now narrowing as the BoJ’s 2024 decision to withdraw gradually from ultra-loose policy coincides with interest-rate cuts by other major central banks.

Investors often regard the Japanese Yen as a safe-haven investment, turning to it during periods of market stress because of its perceived reliability and stability. As a result, market turbulence is likely to lift the Yen against currencies considered riskier investments.