Why investors backed away from carry trades this week

Aug 9, 2024
Investors are reminded why its risky to invest with borrowed money. Subscribe to get the "Make Me Smart" newsletter every Friday!
Richard A. Brooks/ AFP via Getty Images
Richard A. Brooks/ AFP via Getty Images

Japan loosens its grip on long-term interest rates

Oct 31, 2023
The Bank of Japan’s "yield curve control policy" could be on its way out as central banks around the world raise rates to beat inflation.
Until recently, the Bank of Japan was trying to keep interest rates on bonds low to stimulate the economy. Above, the Bank of Japan building.
Richard A. Brooks/AFP via Getty Images

Why the U.S. isn’t concerned that Japan might act to prop up its currency

Sep 20, 2023
The U.S. isn’t usually thrilled when a country intervenes in its own currency. But boosting the yen is likely to help Japan’s economy, which could help the U.S. in turn.
If the yen jumps around too much, anyone that wants to trade with Japan might hold off.
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Bank of Japan maintains its ultralow interest rate policy

Jan 18, 2023
A lot of investors were betting that the Bank of Japan would join other central banks in hiking rates to beat back inflation.
Though some investors thought the Bank of Japan, seen above, would join other big central banks and push interest rates higher, it did not.
Richard A. Brooks/AFP via Getty Images

The Bank of Japan hints at end of ultra-low interest rates

Dec 21, 2022
Despite global and domestic inflation, Japan's central bank held interest rates near zero. But it's just hinted that this policy will change.
By letting interest rates go up, the Bank of Japan could make government bonds more attractive to investors.
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Japan approves $45 billion in extra spending

Aug 2, 2016
Some are saying this amount is too little.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe delivers a speech in Fukuoka, Japan in late July.
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Why buy bonds with a negative yield?

Mar 1, 2016
Japan now has 10-year government bonds with a negative yield. Investors want them.
Japanese yen notes.
Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Japan - what just happened?

Dec 24, 2015
Figuring out Japan's economic progress is tough, but it does affect the U.S. economy.

Japan's trade negotiations may be troubled by currency

Apr 28, 2015
Some are claiming the Bank of Japan is manipulating currency.