The yen swung around during the session, initially strengthening and then losing ground to be weaker than the Tokyo open.

USD/JPY drifted lower in opening trade once Tokyo was active, down to lows circa 146.63. There was little to drive it, although PPI data came in a touch higher than was expected both m/m and y/y. Japan’s PPI is also known as the corporate goods price index (CGPI), and, in brief, it measures the price companies charge each other for their goods and services. Its not consumer level inflation, but changes in its level can be passed on to consumers, in time (its not a one-to-one, nor a simple relationship).

We then had remarks cross news services from Japan’s finance minister Suzuki indicating he thought it was too early to say deflation was beaten, and also not at a stage where Japan can avoid the risk of falling back into deflation. These remarks lifted USD/JPY a little, it traded back towards 147.00 and sat above 146.90.

Bank of Japan Governor Ueda was next, answering questions in parliament. As usual, Ueda gave little away, emphasising again the Bank needs to see wage talk results as part of its decision-making process at the upcoming March 18 and 19 policy meeting. USD/JPY found more strength, gaining quickly back up to highs just above 147.40. Its not far from these highs as I update.

Elsewhere across major FX there is not a lot to report. Ranges are small with traders content to await the US inflation data (CPI for February) due later today.

There is more on the Japanese PPI, Suzuki, Ueda and the US CPI data ahead in the points above.

usdyen wrap chart 12 March 2024 2