Headline: Yen Slides as USD/JPY Nears 154.40; Tech Rally Lifts Futures Amid Mixed Global Signals
Global markets opened with a weaker Japanese yen and a renewed bid for technology shares, while policy headlines and inflation pressures kept risk sentiment in check. Traders weighed Japan’s limited currency support, a rebound led by AI stocks such as Nvidia, and divergent economic trends from Venezuela to Australia.
Japan’s currency continued to soften, with USD/JPY around 154.40 as verbal intervention failed to halt the slide. Economy Minister Kuichi acknowledged that yen weakness is feeding higher import costs and domestic prices, but comments alone did little to reassure FX markets. The sustained depreciation underscores the gap between policy rhetoric and action, leaving traders alert to the risk of direct intervention if volatility intensifies.
In equities, AI-linked names led by Nvidia powered a rebound in U.S. futures as investors reassessed growth prospects against lofty valuations. U.S. inflation has eased to around 3.0% year over year, though categories like apparel and appliances remain sticky. Policy debate also returned to the spotlight, with talk of large-scale tariff refunds adding uncertainty to the outlook for trade, growth, and prices.
Elsewhere, Venezuela faces a daunting macro backdrop, with inflation projected at 548% and the currency seen weakening by roughly 80% in 2025 despite stable oil output—highlighting severe foreign exchange scarcity. In contrast, Australia’s NAB business conditions index climbed to +9 in October, the strongest since March, supported by firmer sales and profitability. While cost pressures have moderated, high capacity utilization suggests the Reserve Bank of Australia will be cautious about cutting interest rates, a consideration for AUD watchers and regional risk assets.
Key Points – USD/JPY approaches 154.40 as the yen weakens despite limited verbal support from Japanese officials. – Japan’s economy minister flags higher import costs and inflation pressures from a weak yen. – AI stocks, including Nvidia, boost U.S. equity futures amid a tech-led rebound and valuation scrutiny. – U.S. inflation eases to about 3.0% year over year, with persistent strength in apparel and appliance prices. – Venezuela’s 2025 outlook signals 548% inflation and an 80% currency decline despite steady oil production. – Australia’s NAB business conditions index rises to +9, while the RBA remains cautious on rate cuts.
