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Yen back in danger zone as Tokyo officials keep investors on edge

Yen back in danger zone as Tokyo officials keep investors on edge

By Noriyuki Hirata TOKYO, May 29 (Reuters) - As Japan's yen drifts back to levels that prompted official intervention a month ago, markets are sizing up Tokyo's remaining financial firepower and political will to defend its ailing currency.

Core inflation in Tokyo slows, stays below BOJ goal

Core inflation in Tokyo slows, stays below BOJ goal

By Leika Kihara TOKYO, May 29 (Reuters) - Annual core inflation in Japan's capital hit 1.3% in May, data showed on Friday, staying below the central bank's 2% target for a fourth straight month as fuel and education subsidies offset rising raw material costs from the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.

Analysis-BOJ may heed calls to pause bond taper next year

Analysis-BOJ may heed calls to pause bond taper next year

By Leika Kihara TOKYO, May 29 (Reuters) - Bond market volatility is boosting the case for Japan's central bank to pause the unwinding of its massive debt holdings next fiscal year, which would give Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi some relief amid growing investor concerns about her spending plans.

Japan banks battle to secure deposits as savers chase market highs

Japan banks battle to secure deposits as savers chase market highs

By Miho Uranaka and Anton Bridge TOKYO, May 28 (Reuters) - Japanese banks are, in a historic shift, competing to shore up their deposit base as lending opportunities grow and consumers, seeking to beat inflation, shift their savings into a booming stock market.

Foreign investors buy Japanese stocks for eighth week on AI rally

Foreign investors buy Japanese stocks for eighth week on AI rally

May 28 (Reuters) - Foreign investors bought Japanese stocks for the eighth straight week through May 23, as oil prices eased and AI-related shares rallied on robust demand outlook.

Yen hovers near intervention zone as traders assess Iran war outlook

Yen hovers near intervention zone as traders assess Iran war outlook

By Kevin Buckland TOKYO, May 27 (Reuters) - The yen hovered close to its May low versus the U.S. dollar on Wednesday, near levels that spurred Japanese currency intervention in recent weeks, as traders weighed the risks of a renewed flare-up in the Iran war.

Fed's Kashkari calls for focus on inflation risk, mum on timing of next rate move

Fed's Kashkari calls for focus on inflation risk, mum on timing of next rate move

By Leika Kihara TOKYO, May 27 (Reuters) - The Federal Reserve must focus on containing inflationary risks that appear to be building, though it was "far too soon" to predict when it could next change interest rates even as markets price in an October increase, Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari

BOJ's new trend gauge shows inflation exceeding target

BOJ's new trend gauge shows inflation exceeding target

By Leika Kihara TOKYO, May 26 (Reuters) - Japan's core inflation as measured by a new central bank gauge accelerated in April and blew past its 2% target, data showed on Tuesday, helping make the case for an interest rate hike as soon as next month.

BOJ's Ueda warns of potential for temporary energy shock to become persistent

BOJ's Ueda warns of potential for temporary energy shock to become persistent

By Leika Kihara TOKYO, May 27 (Reuters) - Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda said on Wednesday central banks should not look at oil prices in isolation because a temporary energy shock can become persistent if it feeds into wages, expectations, and price-setting behavior.

BOJ's net income falls due to higher interest payments on reserves

BOJ's net income falls due to higher interest payments on reserves

By Leika Kihara TOKYO, May 27 (Reuters) - The Bank of Japan saw net income fall in fiscal 2025 as rising interest rates boosted payments made on excess reserves parked with the central bank, its earnings data showed on Wednesday.

Morning Bid: Markets cheer, central banks warn

Morning Bid: Markets cheer, central banks warn

A look at the day ahead in European and global markets from Rocky Swift While markets appear to be looking past the Middle East crisis and the havoc it has wreaked on energy supplies, central bankers are signalling that the inflationary damage is already done.

Japan's Nikkei to set record 69,000 in 2027 as blistering rally outpaces peers: Reuters poll

Japan's Nikkei to set record 69,000 in 2027 as blistering rally outpaces peers: Reuters poll

By Kevin Buckland TOKYO, May 27 (Reuters) - AI exuberance and robust earnings will continue to power Japan's Nikkei to record highs, even as its blistering rally makes it hard for forecasters to keep up, analysts said in a Reuters poll.