Despite an upside surprise in Japan’s GDP growth, the yen was little changed. In the three months to June, GDP growth accelerated to 1.8%q/q annualised, beating estimates of 0.5%, while 1Q figure was revised to the upside from 2.2% to 2.8%. In the FX market, investors welcomed the news with little enthusiasm as USD/JPY didn’t budge and continued to trade between 105.80 and 106. This could be viewed as a good news as it would prove that despite the US-China trade war, and rising global uncertainties, the Japanese economy is somewhat resilient to external shocks.
Looking at the details, most of the upside came from an acceleration in domestic spending and higher than expected capital expenditure. However, government spending also gave a significant boost to the final figure. In addition, the central bank has re-opened the floodgate of free money as suggested by the expansion of the BoJ balance sheet over the last eight months. Finally, exports continue to be under pressure against the backdrop of a tense geopolitical situation.
Stay on top of the markets with Swissquote’s News & Analysis
The outlook remains cloudy as the upcoming increase in sales tax in October together with persistent uncertainties stemming from the US-China trade war. We anticipate the economy will remain in positive territory in the third quarter as consumers load up before the tax kicks in.
This report has been prepared by Swissquote Bank Ltd and is solely been published for informational purposes and is not to be construed as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any currency or any other financial instrument. Views expressed in this report may be subject to change without prior notice and may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed by Swissquote Bank Ltd personnel at any given time. Swissquote Bank Ltd is under no obligation to update or keep current the information herein, the report should not be regarded by recipients as a substitute for the exercise of their own judgment.
Recommended Content
Editors’ Picks
EUR/USD trades weak below 1.0800 amid Good Friday lull, ahead of US PCE
EUR/USD remains depressed below 1.0800 after soft French inflation data, amid minimal volatility and thin liquidity on Good Friday. The pair keenly awaits the US PCE inflation data and Fed Chair Powell's speech for fresh hints on next week's price action.
GBP/USD holds steady above 1.2600 as markets stay calm on Good Friday
GBP/USD trades sideways above 1.2600 amid a typical Good Friday trading lull. A broadly firmer US Dollar could keep any upside attempts limited in the pair ahead of the US PCE inflation data and Fed Chair Powell's appearance.
Gold price sits at all-time highs above $2,230, US PCE eyed
Gold price hit all-time highs at $2,236 on Thursday to finish Q1 2024 with a bang. Most major world markets, including the US are closed due to Holy Friday, leaving volatility around Gold price highly subdued. US PCE inflation and Powell are awaited.
Jito price could hit $6 as JTO coils up inside this bullish pattern
Jito (JTO) price has been on an uptrend since forming a local bottom in early January. Since then, JTO has revisited the key swing point formed in early December, suggesting the bulls’ intention to move higher.
Key events in developed markets next week
Next week, the main focus will be inflation and the labour market in the Eurozone. We expect services inflation to be impacted by the easter effect, while the unemployment rate to be unchanged.