The yen moved lower against the dollar after preliminary 4th quarter data showed another shrink in output in Japan. Even though exports were shown to be the weakest performer in the sector, intervention speculation may be dampened as Finance Minister Azumi hints towards “stealth” yen selling.
|
GMT |
$JPY GDP (4Q P) |
ACT |
EXP |
PREV |
|
23:50 |
GDP Nominal (QoQ) |
-0.8% |
-0.7% |
1.5% (R-) |
|
23:50 |
GDP Annualized |
-2.3% |
-1.3% |
7.0% (R+) |
|
23:50 |
GDP (QoQ) |
-0.6% |
-0.3% |
1.7% (R+) |
|
23:50 |
GDP Deflator (YoY) |
-1.6% |
-1.7% |
-2.1% (R+) |
As in previous quarters since early 2011, exports led the decline in total output in the nation, falling 11.9% in the 4th quarter. Although a breakdown in export data reveals declines in exports to European nations, most likely due to the peripheral debt crisis, many manufacturers are still blaming the record level of the yen as cutting demand from both European and American markets. The continued weakness in these primary sectors dominating the economy may result in increased support for those companies. However, the support could come in the form of lower interest loans as the Noda administration struggles to control excess spending.
-Source: Bloomberg
The yen weakened moderately immediately after the data on speculation of additional Ministry of Finance intervention to support the domestic economy. However, Finance Minister Jun Azumi reported last week that the ministry was moving away from large foreign exchange interventions and towards what he calls “stealth interventions” of small amounts over longer periods of time. At the time of writing, the yen has weakened around 0.159% against the dollar
-Chart generated with FXCM Strategy Trader. Line indicates time of GDP release.
--By David Liu, DailyFX Research
