Strong figures will certainly re-ignite expectations of further Fed rate hikes.

199

Markets have been pricing in Koizumi's victory in the elections. That's positive for the yen.

178

Unlike past national elections, it seems swing voters in urban areas are supporting the LDP this time. That's positive for the yen.

164

Politicians' remarks opposing a policy shift have reduced expectations of an early end to the deflation-fighting policy and raised concern over the independence of the central bank. It also harms the government's credibility; It's yen negative.

160

The dollar has reversed its course because concerns over an imminent end to the rate hikes have started to diminish. It is possible that the dollar will regain its strength to the level of late last year.

147

Some investors are worrying about the slowdown in the housing market, a key driver of the U.S. economy. The abrupt slowdown in the housing market could lead to a loss of consumer confidence and a decline in assets, which makes investors cautious about buying the dollar.

145

Strong job figures will surely reinforce the view the U.S. economy remains robust enough for the Fed to head for further rate increases. The dollar will be strong.

136

The end of quantitative easing is not positive for the yen at all, and the market is likely to find out in coming weeks time after having already bought the yen.

120