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South Korea Central Bank Set to Raise Interest Rates as Inflation Stays Elevated 
Japanese Yen Holds Steady as Intervention Hopes Grow Ahead of U.S. CPI Data 
Australia Consumer Sentiment Rises in July as Fuel Price Relief Lifts Confidence 
China Q2 2026 GDP Misses Forecast as Weak Domestic Demand Offsets Export Strength 
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European Stocks Slip as Middle East Tensions and Hormuz Threat Rattle Markets 
South Korea’s KOSPI Enters Bear Market Despite Remaining 2026’s Best-Performing Major Stock Index 
Dollar Holds Steady Ahead of U.S. CPI as Oil Surge, Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
China Trade Surplus Hits $125.6 Billion as June Exports, Imports Smash Forecasts 
Asian Currencies Weaken as Stronger Dollar Weighs, Yen Supported by GPIF Repatriation Hopes 
ECB's Kocher Says No Inflation Spillover Yet From Iran Conflict, Warns Risks Remain 
Japan’s Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said authorities are maintaining close coordination with overseas financial officials and monitoring global financial markets with an “extremely strong sense of urgency” as volatility intensifies due to the escalating Middle East conflict. Her remarks come as the Japanese yen weakens sharply against the U.S. dollar, heightening speculation about potential currency intervention.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Katayama emphasized that Japan is exercising a high level of vigilance in response to rapid market fluctuations. She noted that Tokyo shares a mutual understanding with the United States, established last year, regarding foreign exchange stability. According to Katayama, this framework naturally includes the possibility of direct intervention in the currency market if excessive volatility persists. She stressed that authorities stand ready to respond with even greater urgency if needed.
The yen fell further overnight, trading around 157.3 per dollar early Tuesday. Rising concerns over higher oil prices, triggered by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, have pressured currencies of energy-importing nations like Japan. As crude prices climb, fears of increased import costs and widening trade deficits have weighed heavily on the yen. Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar gained strength from safe-haven demand as investors sought stability amid uncertainty surrounding the regional conflict.
Addressing the impact of safe-haven flows into the dollar, Katayama said that regardless of market movements, Japan’s priority remains close communication with international counterparts. She underscored the importance of carefully assessing foreign exchange trends and taking appropriate measures to stabilize markets if necessary.
Investors are now closely watching Japan’s next move, particularly as yen depreciation raises concerns about inflation, import costs, and broader economic stability. Market participants expect continued scrutiny from Japanese authorities as geopolitical risks and currency volatility remain elevated.
