✔️Around 30% of central banks are now hiking rates as the U.S.–Iran conflict pushes energy prices and inflation higher. However, most moves remain precautionary rather than the start of a prolonged global tightening cycle.
✔️The Fed is still expected to hold rates at 3.50–3.75% through year-end, despite deeper internal divisions and market pricing for one 25bp hike.
✔️The ECB, BOE and RBA may each hike once more in H2, while the BOJ is expected to raise rates by 25bp to 1.25% as it continues gradual normalization.
✔️Emerging markets are diverging. South Korea has already hiked, while Taiwan and India may follow as inflation rises. China, by contrast, is more likely to cut the RRR by 25–50bp to support weakening growth.
✔️Brazil and Russia remain in easing cycles, though the pace of cuts may slow.
The U.S.–Japan intervention is more symbolic than substantive, as Washington is unlikely to commit major funds to supporting the yen over time.
The U.S. appears focused on containing disorderly depreciation rather than engineering a sustained rally. Its direct capacity remains limited, with the Exchange Stabilization Fund far smaller than the USD 35–60 billion Japan has deployed in a single round of intervention. Even expanded Treasury resources would face funding and market constraints.
Support may therefore be temporary. Wide U.S.–Japan rate differentials, further Fed hike risks, and fiscal spending that could delay BOJ tightening still point to structural yen weakness. A sustained reversal has yet to emerge. https://t.co/I7tzpXZ5PG
MacroMicro’s Korea Fear & Greed Index edged up to 8.44 after hitting a record low last week. Despite the slight rebound, sentiment remains firmly in extreme fear territory.