Japan: Risk of disappointing exports this summer – Nomura

Sandeep Kanihama FXStreet Contributor

According to Japan’s Ministry of Finance trade statistics, nominal exports in July 2018 were up 3.9% y-y, below the consensus (Bloomberg survey median) forecast for a rise of 6.3%, and nominal imports were up 14.6%, in line with the consensus forecast for a rise of 14.2%, notes the research team at Nomura.

Key Quotes

“As a result, the trade deficit (original series) was ¥231.2bn, which was larger than the consensus forecast of a deficit of ¥41.2bn. The seasonally adjusted trade deficit was ¥45.6bn.”

“Using the BOJ’s export price index, we calculate that real exports in July 2018 were roughly flat, up 0.2% m-m (adjustments for inflation and seasonality made by Nomura). This would put July real exports 1.5% lower than the average for Apr-Jun, turning downward after 1.0% q-q growth in Apr-Jun.”

“Risk of disappointing exports this summer

We expect exports from Japan to be sluggish in summer 2018 on a slowdown in overseas economies, particularly China. We had already been expecting overseas demand to be weak this summer, but July exports suggest that demand could turn out to be even weaker. We do expect growth in Japanese exports to accelerate again as policy action by the Chinese government helps China's economy to pick up, but we also see a real concern that exports could be dragged down by the impact of US trade policies or slowdowns in emerging economies.”

Author

Sandeep Kanihama

FXStreet Contributor

Sandeep Kanihama is an FX Editor and Analyst with FXstreet having principally focus area on Asia and European markets with commodity, currency and equities coverage. He is stationed in the Indian capital city of Delhi.

AUD/USD consolidates above 0.7000; remains close to monthly top

AUD/USD holds steady above 0.7000 during the Asian session on Friday, trading just below the previous day's monthly low amid diverging forces. A hawkish RBA continues to support the Aussie, while the recent decline in US bond yields keeps the US Dollar depressed near a three-week low. However, oil-driven inflation fears reinforce Fed hike bets, which, along with geopolitical risks, could benefit the safe-haven buck and cap the currency pair.

USD/JPY bounces off one-month low; climbs to 157.00 amid reviving USD demand

USD/JPY rebounds from the 156.00 neighborhood, or a one-month low touched during Friday’s Asian session, with bulls looking to extend momentum beyond 157.00 amid the emergence of some US Dollar buying. Meanwhile, Japan's National CPI rose to a nine-month peak and reaffirmed BoJ rate-hike bets, which could support the Japanese Yen and cap gains for the currency pair.

Gold treads water around $4,000

Gold prices maintain its offered stance in place at the end of the week, hovering around the key $4,000 threshold per troy ounce. The persistent selling bias in the precious metal comes amid decent gains in the US Dollar and an acceptable rebound in US Treasury yields across the curve, all alongside further upside traction in crude oil prices.

Crypto Today: Bitcoin holds the 50-day EMA as Ethereum and XRP face structural resistance

Bitcoin gradually ticks up on Friday, trading above $81,000. The Crypto King has recently defended structural support near $80,000, reinforcing the prevailing bullish outlook. Ethereum similarly edges higher above $2,400, while Ripple trades above $1.32 after testing support around $1.30.

The French bond panic is overdone. Here's what the market is misreading

France's 10-year government bond yield has climbed above 5%, reigniting fears of a sovereign debt crisis in the Eurozone. With public debt exceeding €3.5 trillion, persistent budget deficits and a fragmented political landscape, investors are increasingly questioning the French government's ability to stabilize its finances.

What November 3 means for the Fed's rate path and the US Dollar

The USD faces a decisive period ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. While markets anticipate another interest rate increase from the Fed in December, the battle for control of Congress could reshape fiscal policy expectations and, indirectly, the path of US monetary policy in 2027.