Markets Brief: BOJ Hike Bets Rise as Yen Weakens; China Weighs Property Support; U.S. Pushes Back on Nvidia Curbs
Global currency markets are on alert as policy signals from Japan, China, the United States and Australia converge. Expectations for a Bank of Japan rate increase are firming even as the yen remains under pressure, Beijing considers new measures to stabilize real estate, Washington pushes against fresh chip export limits, and the RBA urges caution on reading volatile inflation data.
A survey of economists shows a growing consensus that the Bank of Japan will lift its policy rate to 0.75% in December, with all respondents expecting at least that level by the end of Q1. While anticipated wage gains near 4.9% could support a sustained policy shift, persistent yen weakness is amplifying imported-inflation risks. Strategists warn USD/JPY could test 160 even if the BOJ tightens, raising the likelihood of official intervention after Japan last stepped in around ¥162 in July 2024. Finance officials have escalated verbal warnings against “sharp, one-sided” moves, but the currency remains near session highs, aided by broad dollar resilience and softer oil prices easing domestic inflation concerns.
In China, authorities are weighing fresh stimulus to shore up the property market, including nationwide mortgage subsidies, enhanced tax rebates, and lower transaction costs. The prospect of support has lifted real estate stocks and could help stabilize sentiment across Asia’s credit and currency markets, with potential knock-on effects for housing demand and construction activity.
In the United States, the White House is urging Congress to oppose new export restrictions targeting Nvidia’s high-end chips to China, a decision that could materially affect the company’s China sales and the global AI hardware supply chain. Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of Australia’s Sarah Hunter cautioned against overreacting to volatile monthly inflation prints, citing structural shifts that complicate the outlook and the case for further easing. In the near term, traders are also watching notable FX option expiries at the 10 a.m. New York cut, a regular source of intraday swings in major currency pairs.
Key Points – Economists increasingly expect the BOJ to raise rates to 0.75% in December; all see at least that level by end-Q1. – Yen remains under pressure, with USD/JPY potentially heading toward 160 despite possible BOJ tightening. – Japan has stepped up verbal intervention; last direct intervention was near ¥162 in July 2024. – China is considering mortgage subsidies, bigger tax rebates, and lower transaction costs to stabilize property. – The White House is pushing Congress to oppose Nvidia-focused chip export restrictions to China. – RBA warns against overreacting to volatile monthly inflation; FX option expiries at the New York cut may add volatility.
