Yen Slips as Economic Data Disappoints, SNB's Dovish Stance Challenges Franc's Gains

A disappointing set of domestic economic data sent the yen lower against the dollar once again last week, with the Japanese currency opening trading this week around the 145 level. Expectations for the first Bank of Japan interest rate hike have continued to be pushed further into the future amid signs of an easing in wage pressure and a drop in inflation.

Last week’s earnings data for November was a massive miss, with wages growing by only 0.2% year-on-year, the lowest rate since December 2021 and well below the +1.5% consensus. Bank of Japan officials have placed heavy emphasis on earnings data in recent communications. The upcoming annual ‘Shuntō’ salary negotiations, which conclude in March, will be key in determining the timing of the first hike.

As things stand, a strong wage negotiation will likely be needed to convince investors that tightening will commence soon, with swaps now assigning only around a one-in-three chance of a first move in April. National inflation data will be the focus this week, with the December data due on Thursday.

 

CHF

We recently said that it might be difficult for the franc to hold onto its gains and, indeed, the currency sold off last week and was among the worst performers among the G10 currencies. We continue to view the franc as expensive, and believe that more weakness could be in store in the coming quarters, particularly should the Swiss National Bank begin to shift its attention towards supporting the country’s growth outlook.

We don’t view the recent uptick in inflation as something that could potentially prevent the SNB from delivering a dovish pivot, particularly as both measures of inflation remain firmly within target. The focus this week should be on external news, although Thursday's speech by SNB President Jordan in Davos will also be worth following.