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Japan Finalizes Historic Defense Contract with Australia for Frigate Fleet

Japan Finalizes Historic Defense Contract with Australia for Frigate Fleet

Japan has secured its largest defense export contract in postwar history by agreeing to supply Australia with three Mogami-class frigates, part of a planned fleet of 11. The deal, signed in Melbourne by Japan's Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Australia's Richard Marles, marks a significant step in military cooperation between the two nations. The first frigates are expected to arrive in Australia by 2029, with the Mogami class set to become a central component of Australia's naval capabilities. This agreement highlights the growing strategic alignment between Japan and Australia, emphasizing their commitment to regional security and defense collaboration.

Australia and Japan Sign $7 Billion Warships Deal to Enhance Defense Ties

Australia and Japan Sign $7 Billion Warships Deal to Enhance Defense Ties

Australia and Japan have signed a significant $7 billion deal for the supply of warships, marking a major step in Japan's military sales since lifting its trade ban in 2014. The agreement involves the delivery of three upgraded Mogami-class frigates by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to the Royal Australian Navy, with plans for Australia to build eight more. This deal is part of a broader strategy to strengthen defense ties and enhance security in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, where China's military presence is expanding.

TSMC Expands 3nm Chip Production in Response to AI Demand

TSMC Expands 3nm Chip Production in Response to AI Demand

TSMC Expands 3nm Chip Production in Response to AI Demand

ADB chief warns of yen pressure from Japan's too-slow rate hikes

ADB chief warns of yen pressure from Japan's too-slow rate hikes

By Leika Kihara WASHINGTON, April 18 (Reuters) - The yen may come under further pressure if markets see the Bank of Japan as being too slow in addressing inflationary risks, Asian Development Bank President Masato Kanda said.

Analysis-BOJ's hawkish hints keep rate hike on the cards

Analysis-BOJ's hawkish hints keep rate hike on the cards

By Leika Kihara WASHINGTON, April 17 (Reuters) - Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda refrained from pre-committing to an April rate increase as the Iran war muddled the outlook, but left a few hawkish signs after this week's IMF meetings, suggesting a hike remains on the cards in June, if not this

Japan Insurers Face Decline as Premiums Fall and Growth Stalls

Japan Insurers Face Decline as Premiums Fall and Growth Stalls

Japan's insurance industry is experiencing a decline in premium income, marking the end of a four-year growth streak. According to AM Best, the life insurance market is expected to remain stable in the medium term, with annualized premiums in force staying steady due to increased demand for savings-type products. Despite higher operating costs from inflation, investment income has become crucial for core profits. The Bank of Japan raised its benchmark interest rate to 0.75% in December 2025, which is expected to drive demand for savings-type products offering inflation protection. The industry is shifting towards yen-denominated products as domestic rates remain high, while foreign interest rates fall. The decline in premium income is largely due to reduced sales of single-premium foreign currency products.

Japan's core inflation likely ticked up in March fuelled by energy costs: Reuters poll

Japan's core inflation likely ticked up in March fuelled by energy costs: Reuters poll

TOKYO, April 17 (Reuters) - Japan's core consumer inflation probably picked up slightly in March from the previous month due to higher energy costs, a Reuters poll showed on Friday, in a sign of the tangible impact of the Middle East conflict.

Foreigners boost US Treasury holdings to record highs in February

Foreigners boost US Treasury holdings to record highs in February

By Gertrude Chavez-Dreyfuss NEW YORK, April 15 (Reuters) - Foreign holdings of Treasuries climbed to a record high in February, data showed on Wednesday, rising for a second month in a sign of strong appetite for U.S. debt even as markets reassess the outlook for the Federal Reserve's interest rate

BOJ must take into account Japan's low real rates in setting policy, governor Ueda says

BOJ must take into account Japan's low real rates in setting policy, governor Ueda says

By Leika Kihara WASHINGTON, April 16 (Reuters) - Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda said on Thursday a decision on how soon to raise interest rates must take into account the fact that the nation's real interest rate is low.

More Japanese firms say no to rate hikes as Iran war clouds outlook: Reuters poll

More Japanese firms say no to rate hikes as Iran war clouds outlook: Reuters poll

By Kiyoshi Takenaka TOKYO, April 16 (Reuters) - The number of Japanese firms that do not want the Bank of Japan to raise interest rates has risen sharply since the start of the year as the Iran war clouds the outlook for global growth and corporate earnings, a Reuters survey showed on Thursday.

Japan sees private credit as a policy pillar despite overseas market turmoil

Japan sees private credit as a policy pillar despite overseas market turmoil

By Makiko Yamazaki and Takahiko Wada TOKYO, April 16 (Reuters) - Japan's financial regulator sees private credit as a potential key pillar of its new strategy to meet rising corporate funding demand driven by a surge in M&A activity, a senior official told Reuters, despite turbulence in overseas

IMF urges Japan to raise rates, keep fiscal stimulus targeted

IMF urges Japan to raise rates, keep fiscal stimulus targeted

By Leika Kihara WASHINGTON, April 16 (Reuters) - Japan should gradually raise interest rates and keep any fiscal stimulus targeted given robust domestic demand and steady wage gains, a senior International Monetary Fund official said on Thursday.