Japanese Yen Holds Near 6-Month High
The Japanese yen strengthened to 142.5 per dollar on Monday, near its highest in more than six months, as rising trade uncertainty boosted demand for safe-haven assets.
Market sentiment was boosted by U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement that smartphones, computers and other technology products would be exempted from newly imposed “reciprocal” tariffs. However, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick indicated that these imports could face new levies within the next two months.
Trump also clarified that the goods would remain subject to the existing 20% Fentanyl Tariff. Meanwhile, investors are keeping an eye on upcoming trade talks between Washington and Tokyo. Japan’s chief trade negotiator, Akazawa Ryosei, is scheduled to meet with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer this week. Japan, which currently faces a 10% tariff cut, is seeking more favorable terms in the ongoing negotiations.
Source: Trading Economics