Sunday, May 19, 2013

Japanese Yen Down Around 25% Against Major Trading Nations

2 Factors for Japan's Stability
Japanese society has remained stable for 2 decades despite their economy stagnating since the bursting of their asset bubble in early 1990s. I can't say the same for Sillypore's stability when the current asset bubble burst in the future as Sillypore's population is not homogeneous like the japanese. Current large influx of immigrants not integrating is making situation worse.

Furthermore, Sillypore now has 2nd highest (at times highest) income inequality among developed nations. This adds another strain to stability. 2 negative factors facing Sillypore's stability which Japan does not have.

Printing of $$$$; Devaluation of Yen
Shinzo Abe, current prime minister of Japan has devalued japan's currency in a bid to get Japan out of the lost decades. I'm no economist but for average person it means japanese products are cheaper (cheaper than competitors) thus boosting Japan's exports(more workers &/or increased automation needed to make products).

Japanese products particularly consumer electronics used to dominate the world market. However japanese firms such as Sharp, Sony, NEC are badly pummelled by Korean brands of Samsung & LG. Devaluation of yen is an effort to revive this ailing sector against korean competitors.

Look at what happened to the japanese yen last year; 2012 common peak(not lone peak) compared to now:











Imports have become more expensive for the japanese. If such situation occur in Sillypore, it would be like us paying 25% more for vegies & eggs from Malaysia since S$ has depreciated 25% against Malaysian Ringgit. How many sinkies can tahan(endure) that when practically all food are imported? My favorite laksa stall at a hawker center has already increased prices 2x within 5 years. $2--> $2.50-->$3.  50% hike in prices.

Surprisingly till now there's no headline grabbing news of japanese rioting in the streets. Japan is still stable.

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