Yahoo! Finance: Japanese yen breaches 150, intervention in focus

Article published: October 25, 2023

IB Economics Syllabus: Global economics (exchange rates, monetary policy, economic growth)

The Japanese yen’s recent descent beyond 150 against the dollar has sent ripples through macroeconomic landscapes, signaling potential shifts in Japan’s monetary policy. This sharp decline has been the most significant since the government’s hefty intervention last year, which saw expenditures of around $60 billion to support the yen. The Bank of Japan, persisting with negative interest rates amidst a global trend towards increasing rates, is under heightened scrutiny. The yen’s 12% fall this year not only reflects Japan’s economic policy divergence from other major economies but also raises concerns about imported inflation and its impact on economic growth. As the Bank of Japan approaches its next policy meeting, speculation mounts over possible adjustments that could stabilize the yen and address the macroeconomic challenges it faces.

IB Economics (IA) Commentary Suggestions:

This article offers a platform to discuss the interplay between currency valuation, monetary policy, and macroeconomic stability. You could consider the implications of a depreciating currency on inflation and economic growth (think of the effects on export revenues and import expenditures). And also how central bank policies can respond to such challenges. Diagrams such as the Exchange rate (demand and supply) or the Aggregate Demand and Supply model could be used to illustrate these. The key concept to focus on is intervention, as it encapsulates the potential and actual measures taken by the government and central bank to manage the economy and stabilize the currency.

Source of image: REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

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