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7 Mar 2013
Forex Flash: BoJ opts for open-ended asset purchases – UBS
The Bank of Japan made no changes to policy settings overnight, as widely expected. It was Governor Shirakawa's last policy decision before his resignation takes effect on March 19, though there was some dissent however. Board Member Shirai voted in favor of beginning open-ended asset purchases immediately rather than waiting until 2014 and combining the APP and Rinban operations into a single program.
According to Research Analyst Gareth Berry at UBS, “Both are currently used to buy JGBs with the APP focusing exclusively on the short-end of the curve. Consolidating both programs would in theory give the BoJ greater freedom to buy longer-dated JGBs, which would very likely have yen-negative implications.”
Shirai is the first policymaker to call for this, however where she has led others may follow. The obvious willingness of Governor-nominee Kuroda to reconsider the 'banknotes rule' suggests he is already thinking along similar lines. “We now expect the USD/JPY to climb to 100 (from 85 previously) by years end.” Berry adds.
According to Research Analyst Gareth Berry at UBS, “Both are currently used to buy JGBs with the APP focusing exclusively on the short-end of the curve. Consolidating both programs would in theory give the BoJ greater freedom to buy longer-dated JGBs, which would very likely have yen-negative implications.”
Shirai is the first policymaker to call for this, however where she has led others may follow. The obvious willingness of Governor-nominee Kuroda to reconsider the 'banknotes rule' suggests he is already thinking along similar lines. “We now expect the USD/JPY to climb to 100 (from 85 previously) by years end.” Berry adds.