Japanese Finance Minister Fujii today reiterated he never meant to support a rise in the yen or downplay the importance of Japan’s exports, telling a financial affairs committee “I have only opposed a currency devaluation policy.”

Other comments

  • Good to see long-term rates falling
  • Need to watch long-term rate moves very carefully
  • Recent long-term rate rise not due to improvements in economy
  • Rate rise that doesn’t reflect economic strength is negative for economy
  • Important to respect BOJ’s independence
  • Government is on good terms with BOJ Gov Shirakawa

USD/JPY sits at 89.10, marginally easier from a North American close Wednesday around 89.30.