Japan: Main items of interest for 2018 - Nomura
According to Nomura's Economics Team, in the early stages of 2018, the focus will be on BOJ policy, with no changes in the main scenario expected, adding that upside risks associated with spring labor negotiations and growth strategies exist.
Key Quotes
Decisions about next BOJ governor and deputy governors: in our main scenario Mr Kuroda is reappointed
Normalizing monetary policy: low probability of hike to 10-year yield target
Government declaration that deflation has been overcome: little political benefit in such a declaration
Spring wage negotiations: forecasting base pay hike of around 0.5%; upside risk of 1% hike
Consumption tax hike: expect yet another postponement; focus on relationship with constitutional reform and general elections
Government growth strategies: focus on whether any policies promote greater labor market liquidity
Share prices in more developed markets: any correction likely to prove temporary; watching economy in 2018 H2
Inflation in more developed economies: baseline scenario for stagnant prices; acceleration could affect financial markets
Financial regulation in China: major impact if regulation of wealth management products leads to credit crunch
US midterm elections: under risk scenario pressure could mount for Japan to reduce trade surplus with US
European elections: low probability of Italian elections spurring a new euro crisis
Author
Ivan Delgado
Independent Analyst
Established in the Asian continent since 2009, Ivan studied a degree in Business at the University Pompeu Fabra (Barcelona), while also earning a postgraduate degree in Business Administration.
