JPY Strengthens In Spite Of Weak Inflation Data

 | Jul 01, 2016 05:57AM ET

Market Brief

Overnight, the Japanese yen was the best performer among the G10 complex. The JPY surged roughly 0.49% against the USD dollar amid better-than-expected inflation figures and Tankan report. However, the headline CPI kept sliding in May as it contracted 0.4%y/y after a contraction of 0.3% in the previous month but beat median forecast of -0.5%. The core gauge, which excludes fresh food and energy, matched expectations and printed at 0.6%m/m, below last month’s reading of 0.7%. The disappointing inflation data came on the back of a weak industrial production and lacklustre retail sales released earlier this week are building the case for more stimulus from the BoJ. Moreover, the Uk’s vote to leave the EU has bolstered the demand for the yen, putting at risk the faltering recovery and dampening the inflation outlook. USD/JPY dropped to 102.68 in Tokyo after testing 103.39 before the release of the inflation data. We maintain our call that the BoJ will ease further its monetary policy at its July meeting.