The Japanese yen depreciated toward 154 per dollar on Monday, nearing nine-month lows amid expectations that the new administration will push for a massive stimulus package and support accommodative monetary policy. A draft outline of the plan indicated that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s government will urge the central bank to prioritize strong economic growth alongside stable prices. The package, expected to be finalized on November 21, is set to include tax cuts and investment incentives targeting 17 key industries. Meanwhile, the Bank of Japan’s October Summary of Opinions indicated policymakers see the next rate hike on the horizon, closely monitoring domestic wage trends. Markets are now weighing the possibility of a move in December or January, depending on whether corporate earnings and executive guidance provide confidence that wages will continue rising next year.
