Nikko Asset Management’s Yasushi Ishikawa experiences a shift in perspective due to cooling U.S. inflation, leading him to abandon his bearish view on the yen. Now, with a new target of ¥135 against the dollar by year-end, he anticipates a positive trajectory for the Japanese currency. Meanwhile, Kazuo Ueda, the governor of the Bank of Japan, exercises caution and intends to observe evidence of inflation before making any policy changes. This stance reflects the potential for an upside in the yen and its impact on Japan’s economy.
Cooling U.S. Inflation Influences Yasushi Ishikawa’s View
Yasushi Ishikawa, the senior executive director of global multi-asset at Nikko Asset Management, has revised his outlook on the yen due to cooling U.S. inflation. He expects U.S. real yields to decline faster than those in Japan, as price levels in the U.S. exhibit more certainty in their downward trajectory. Previously, Ishikawa entertained the possibility of the yen weakening to ¥150, but now he envisions a more bullish scenario, with a ¥135 target against the dollar by the end of the year.
Ueda’s Cautious Approach in Changing Monetary Policy
Kazuo Ueda, the governor of the Bank of Japan, takes a cautious stance in making changes to the country’s monetary policy. Ishikawa reveals that Ueda seeks concrete evidence of inflation before contemplating any policy adjustments. This approach aligns with the need for clear indications that inflation will have a lasting impact on Japan’s economy. As a result, Ueda prefers to wait and monitor the situation for an extended period.
Potential Upside for the Yen and Implications
The shift in Ishikawa’s view regarding the yen signals potential upside for the currency. The yen’s decline to multi-decade lows has been exacerbated by inflation-adjusted interest rates. However, the changing scenario indicates that the currency may experience a positive turnaround. This development also prompts investors to reassess their bets, especially with the possibility of the dollar’s dominance waning and Japan’s currency standing to benefit.
The yen witnessed a notable 2.4% gain last week, its most significant increase since January. This surge prompted yen bears to reconsider the potential outcomes of their positions. While the yen remains down over 6% for the year, it still holds potential for growth. For Nikko Asset Management’s equity fund management department, the weakening yen presents a significant opportunity. The Tokyo-based fund manager sees potential in exchange reforms, government support for the semiconductor industry, sustainable inflation, and wage growth, all contributing to an optimistic view on Japanese equities.
Nikko Asset Management’s Global Presence
With approximately $209 billion under management as of the end of March, Nikko Asset Management stands as a significant player in the financial market. The company’s strategic decisions and views on the yen carry weight in the global financial landscape.
Yen’s Recent Performance and Policy Speculations
As the yen trades in the ¥139 range against the dollar in Tokyo on Thursday, the currency’s advance to ¥137.25 on Friday marks its strongest position in two months. This surge coincides with a decline in Japanese government bonds, as investors speculate the central bank may relax its grip on 10-year bond yields by the end of July. However, Ueda remains cautious about making policy changes, expressing the need to observe inflation for an extended period before taking action.
Nikko Asset Management’s shift to a bullish yen stance showcases the impact of cooling U.S. inflation on financial perspectives. Yasushi Ishikawa’s revised view on the yen, coupled with Kazuo Ueda’s patient approach in observing inflationary trends, reflects the potential for the yen’s upside. As the yen’s performance impacts Japanese equities and draws interest from overseas investors, Nikko Asset Management’s strategic decisions carry significant weight in the financial world. With both the yen and equity markets in the spotlight, the coming months are poised to be crucial in shaping Japan’s economic outlook.
© TheJapanTimes
