Japan Weekahead: Ruling, Opposition Parties Gear Up for October Snap Elections Widely Expected after Conservative LDP Picks Leader

–Bank of Japan to Stand Pat amid Political Storm Following PM Ishiba’s Resignation, Board Monitors Trump Tariff Impact on Q3 Data–August Data to Highlight Tariff Impact: Japan Carmakers’ Discount Strategy Keeps Their US Market Share but Depresses Export Values–Core CPI to Ease Below 3% on Summer Fuel Subsidies, Yen’s Relative Strength Vs. Slump in Early […]

Japan’s Prime Minister Ishiba to Step Down, Citing Risk of Party Split

TOKYO (MaceNews) –  Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba resigned on Sunday, citing the conclusion of negotiations over U.S. tariff measures and calling it a “painful decision” aimed at preventing deep divisions within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), according to national broadcaster NHK. Ishiba told reporters he must take responsibility for a string of election […]

Japan Weekahead: Factory Output to Slip Back amid Lingering Trade Woes; Retail Sales Sluggish on Waning Inbound Spending Magic, Front-Loaded Air Conditioner Demand

By Max Sato (MaceNews) – Here are the key Japanese economic events for the coming week. The world trade uncertainty has been reduced somewhat by accords between Washington and some U.S. allies, except for Canada, but President Trump’s erratic policymaking is leaving firms wary of making plans. Trump tariffs are taking their toll on Japanese […]

Fed’s Powell in Jackson Hole Hints at Coming Federal Funds Rate Adjustment

– Says FOMC Can Proceed ‘Carefully’ But Cites Greater Job Risks – Announces Significant Shifts in FOMC’s Monetary Policy Framework By Steven K. Beckner (MaceNews) – Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell hinted Friday that the Federal Open Market Committee could resume lowering short-term interest rates when the Fed’s rate-setting body meets in mid-September. Powell made […]