Macro Monday 60 ~ Japanese Yen Recession Signal Macro Monday 60
Japanese Yen Recession Signal
If you follow me on Trading view, you can revisit this chart at any time and press play to get the up to date data and see if we have hit any Yen recessionary trigger levels. Very handy to have at a glance.
The Chart
The chart illustrates how the Japanese Yen / U.S. Dollar has followed a similar trajectory as the U.S. Unemployment Rate. The chart demonstrates that the Yen price has behaved in a particular way prior to recessions (red areas). You might be wondering how the Yen can offer insights into economic recessions and how they are linked;
1. Historically, the yen has strengthened during recessions due to the reduction of U.S. interest rates that typically coincides with recessions. When the U.S. Federal Reserve lowers rates, it makes the yen relatively more attractive to investors. With rate cuts highly likely in September 2024 the Japanese Yen is likely to see positive price action against the U.S. dollar.
2. The BOJ has historically intervened to prevent the Yen from becoming too strong. A strong yen negatively impacts Japan’s export-reliant economy. However, this trend shifted in 2022 when Tokyo stepped in to defend the Yen’s value. The BOJ bought Yen after expectations that other central banks would raise rates while the BOJ kept rates ultra-low.
3. In July 2024, the BOJ raised interest rates and signaled further policy tightening. Concerns about the historically weak yen also played a role (evident on the chart by the 30 year low in June 2024). This move, along with U.S. growth concerns, triggered an unwinding of carry trades (where investors borrow cheaply in yen to invest in higher-yielding assets), causing the yen to rebound against the dollar.
The chart along with the above three points are suggesting the Yen may be about to rise significantly in coming months versus USD. This direction of price for the Yen is consistent with the early signs of recession onset, in particular if the Yen increases in value by 22% to 42% (see below).
Japanese Yen vs U.S. Unemployment Rate
The blue numbers and corresponding blue box on the chart suggests that a sudden 22% – 42% increase in the Japanese Yen / U.S. Dollar (from below the 0.008200 level) typically precedes recessions. This 22 – 42% increase in the yen is something we can look out for in combination with other recession charts we have in our current armory. See my most recent charts.
▫️ Above we discussed some macro-economic factors that suggest a high probability of the Yen ascending higher. The yen price also made a 30 year low in June 2024 and now appears to be breaking higher.
▫️ We now have levels on the chart to watch; the 22% level and the 42% level. In the event the Yen rises to these levels alongside the U.S. Unemployment Rate continuing to increase, this would significantly raise the probability of recession in subsequent months.
Summary
▫️ The chart captures how the Japanese Yen has followed a similar trajectory as the U.S. Unemployment Rate. When both move in unison up and to the right it typically isn’t a good sign for the economy.
▫️ A number of macro-economic factors suggest the Yen is about to increase e.g. Likely lowering of interest rates in the U.S will make the dollar more affordable to borrow and increase its supply weakening its strength whilst increasing the strength/value of the Yen.
▫️ The chart demonstrates that increases in Yen from below 0.008200 by 22% - 42% typically precede recessions. Theses levels are etched on the chart for you to monitor.
▫️ As the Yen price made a 30 year low in June 2024 and now appears to be breaking higher and with the addition of macro-economic events suggest a higher Yen, its now more important than ever to monitor the Yen and its historic recession trigger levels at 22% and 42%. These are on the chart for your convenience. You can revisit this chart at any time and press play to get the up to date data and see if we have hit any JPY recessionary trigger levels.
Japan Trade Opportunities
Given the higher probability that the Yen is increasing, this heightens the probability of recession, however it also means some Japanese stocks might offer a nice back end currency benefit over coming two years. Do you know any good Japanese Value stocks? If you do, be sure to share them below for some recession proof, back end currency promising trades.
As always, its been a pleasure
PUKA
