There is a whole generation of homebuyers stuck out in far suburbs.

Maybe my wife should be the economist.

The fact that it's now a two-way agreement is symbolic and a positive step that may lead to further cooperation. A currency swap is still just a safety net for countries in the case of crisis, but I'm hopeful that this will lead to more forward-looking policy initiatives about how to get private- sector money flowing in the region.

The recovery is expanding across the economy. It's not just exports driving the economy anymore.

It probably won't happen, but there's always the possibility of unexpected consequences.

There is a whole generation of homebuyers stuck out in far suburbs. It's sad, but Japan has basically forgotten about them, and is moving on. They are just left out there.