21 Quotes by Tomoko Fujii

Yen buying seems to be stalling after an initial round of optimism about the Sept. 11 election receded.

Short-term rate expectations remain the single most important factor for dollar/yen,

Mr. Koizumi remains willing to pursue structural reforms, so long as the economy permits. He's not going to abandon reforms. However, realistically it's also difficult to assume very quick progress.

He hasn't done any reforms yet, so they would like to see the results.

Good economic figures will surely be euro supportive. The euro-zone economy is expanding faster than expected.

Japanese institutional investors seem to have sought returns by selling dollar-denominated assets. That kind of repatriation is generally yen positive.

Some market participants are beginning to be concerned about the risks of an earlier rate hike.

Expectations of further Fed rate increases haven't peaked yet, while rate hikes by the Bank of Japan are a long way off. Along with Japanese investors continuing enthusiasm for overseas assets, that will likely push up the dollar in coming weeks.

We cannot expect a grand coalition to undertake bold and speedy reforms, especially of the labor market and tax system. The euro looks weak now.