Here’s the highlights of his interviews:
TRT World Interview: Japan’s Economic Signals and Fast Retailing’s Challenges
Japan’s Economic Performance:
- November household spending fell 0.4% year-on-year, better than the expected 0.6% decline but still negative.
- Average household income rose 0.7%, indicating some recovery in wealth levels.
- The Bank of Japan is likely to raise interest rates in 2025 to stabilize the yen and combat inflation.
Fast Retailing’s Stock Decline:
- Despite robust earnings, Fast Retailing (Uniqlo’s parent company) faced a 7.8% stock drop due to concerns over weaker Chinese demand.
- Investors took profits after the stock’s 177% rally over the past six months.
TRT World Interview: USD Strength and Resilient US Jobs Market
USD Performance:
- The US dollar reached multi-year highs against the Euro and British pound, fueled by resilient labor market data.
- Weekly jobless claims hit an eight-month low, signaling ongoing strength in the US economy.
Outlook for 2025:
- The Fed’s hawkish stance supports the USD, keeping it in demand as other major economies face growth challenges.
BBC Interview: South Korea’s Economy and Political Uncertainty
KOSPI Index Gains:
- South Korea’s KOSPI index rose, supported by a depreciating won that boosted export competitiveness.
Challenges:
- Political instability, including attempts to arrest former President Yoon, contributed to foreign investment outflows.
Economic Outlook:
- A stable political environment and strategic reforms are essential to sustain foreign investor confidence.
Ausbiz Interview: Trade Wars and Treasury Yields as Key Risks
Geopolitical Risks:
- Rising US treasury yields (10-year at 4.6%) may curb market enthusiasm due to implications for interest rates.
- Possible trade wars under President Trump, with proposed 60% tariffs on Chinese imports, could disrupt global markets.
Investor Sentiment:
- Both the US and China have incentives to negotiate moderate tariff levels, reducing economic volatility.
RTHK Money Talk Interview: Bond Yield Divergence and Trade Policies
Bond Market Trends:
- US bond yields rose due to inflation, while Chinese yields declined amid deflationary concerns, creating the widest-ever US-China yield spread.
Trade Policies:
- Trump government may potentially bring trade measures which can create volatility to the market.
- Considering the current situation, both US and China will likely adapt a mid-ground approach to seek balance.
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
