Yen Weakens, Japan Ready to Implement New Fiscal Policy
The Japanese yen weakened to near 158.5 per dollar on Thursday, amid market concerns over the worsening fiscal outlook. The Bank of Japan (BOJ) began a two-day policy meeting, and traders remained wary of possible intervention to stabilize the yen.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called a snap election and pledged to ease fiscal policy, including eliminating the 8% sales tax on food. Meanwhile, the BOJ is expected to keep interest rates steady at 0.75% after a hike in December, maintaining monetary stability even as pressure on the yen remains high.
Economically, Japanese exports rose for the fourth consecutive month in December, reaching a record level thanks to steady demand from China, despite strained diplomatic relations. However, shipments to the US declined for the first time since the pandemic, reflecting the challenges posed by tighter trade policies. (az)
Source: Newsmaker.id