The Japanese Yen (JPY) is outperforming all G10 currencies, rising 0.6% against the US Dollar (USD) as markets interpret Governor Ueda’s latest remarks as a hawkish shift. Traders now price in roughly 21bps of tightening at the December 19 BoJ meeting, a sharp increase from last week’s expectations, Scotiabank's Chief FX Strategists Shaun Osborne and Eric Theoret report.
"The JPY is up an impressive 0.6% vs. the USD and is outperforming all of the G10 currencies as we head into Monday’s NA session, rallying on the back of a hawkish interpretation of comments from BoJ Governor Ueda."
"Markets have repriced their expectations for a December hike on the back of Gov. Ueda’s latest comments in which he stated that the BoJ would ‘consider the pros and cons of raising the policy rate’."
"Short-term rates markets now have a December hike priced at 21bpts, a significant increase from the single-digit levels seen as recently as last week. The 2Y US-Japan spread has pushed to a fresh low, offering the yen fundamental support. The BoJ’s next meeting is scheduled for December 19."