The swings for USD/JPY continued again today, with the pair heading up to around 146.60 before dropping back to under 146.00. As I post its around 145.85.

We had data from Japan today, a solid result for Q2 Capex, well ahead of the Q1 result although not by as much as expected. The result is indicative of a bounce back in domestic demand (driven by business investment) and provides another plank of support for further Bank of Japan interest rate hikes to come.

Speaking of data, we had China’s official PMIs for August published on Saturday showing manufacturing slipping further into contraction while services were in expansion. Today, Monday, we also got the manufacturing PMI from Caixin / S&P Global. This privately surveyed PMI showed expansion for the manufacturing sector. The Caixin index tends to focus more on small, export-oriented firms, suggesting that these smaller manufacturers are showing resilience. According to Caixin, factory production increased for the 10th straight month in August, driven by growth in consumer and intermediate goods sectors. Trading in the offshore yuan followed a similar pattern to the Yen. USD/CNH traded to highs around 7.1080 before dropping back towards 7.1020.

As a reminder, today is a US market holiday. US cash equity markets are closed. The Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) is recommending the US Bond market closed today. FX trade will be much lighter than usual. There is a post with futures market opening hours above.

usdyen wrap chart 02 September 2024 2