Japanese Manufacturers Optimistic, US Dollar Pressures

0:00On April 1, Japanese manufacturers are feeling a bit more of beaten. The Bank of Japan's latest quarterly Tonkong survey shows their business sentiment index climbed to 17 in March, up from 16. That's the difference between companies expecting good times and those feeling down. Non-manufacturers, like those in services, held steady at 36, same as before. Meanwhile, the US dollar keeps climbing against the YIN, making things tricky. Japan used to love a week YIN because it boosted exports like cars and gadgets, turning those foreign sales into bigger YIN profits. But now, with high imports for energy, food, and parts, that same week currency is hitting them hard. The central bank ditched negative interest rates back in 2024, and kept the policy rate steady at 0.75% last month. Eyes are on the next policy meeting, April 27 and 28, where they might tweak things to steady the ship amid these shifting. Winds. From around the world, powered by AI, this is Global News Today.