【2026年汇市展望】美日货币政策分化延续 利差仍是汇率核心驱动力

Core Viewpoint - The USD/JPY exchange rate experienced a significant "V-shaped" trend in 2025, ending a four-year upward trajectory, with year-end trading above 156, approaching the intervention threshold of 160 set by Japanese authorities [1][2]. Exchange Rate Dynamics - At the beginning of 2025, the USD/JPY continued its strong performance from 2024, reaching a peak of 158.88, but subsequently fell to a low of 139.88 in late April due to multiple policy risks, including tariffs announced by Trump and concerns over the independence of the Federal Reserve [2][4]. - The mid-year saw the USD/JPY fluctuate between 140 and 150 as policy uncertainties persisted, despite some easing of trade tensions [4]. - A turning point occurred in the third quarter when the election of Suga as Prime Minister led to a large fiscal stimulus plan, raising concerns about Japan's debt sustainability and pushing the USD/JPY back to near its yearly highs [4]. Monetary Policy Normalization - The Bank of Japan (BOJ) took significant steps towards monetary policy normalization in 2025, raising the policy interest rate twice, from 0.25% to 0.75%, marking the highest level since 1995 [5][6]. - The BOJ's communication strategy shifted from cautious observation to proactive guidance, confirming the sustainability of inflation and signaling an irreversible normalization process [9]. Economic Performance - Japan's economy is projected to grow by 1.0% in real GDP in 2025, driven primarily by domestic demand, with private consumption contributing significantly to GDP growth [10]. - The core CPI is expected to average around 3.2%, remaining above the BOJ's 2% target for 44 consecutive months, indicating persistent inflationary pressures [10]. - The labor market remains tight, with an unemployment rate around 2.5%, and real wages turning positive in the second half of the year, supporting consumer resilience [10]. Structural Challenges - Despite the monetary policy shift, Japan faces deep structural challenges, including high fiscal deficits and trade imbalances, which continue to weaken the fundamental support for the yen [4][10]. - The government debt-to-GDP ratio exceeds 260%, raising concerns about fiscal sustainability as interest rates rise [12]. Future Outlook - The divergence in monetary policy between the US and Japan is expected to continue influencing the USD/JPY exchange rate in 2026, with the potential for long-term investment opportunities in this currency pair [12]. - The Japanese government is likely to maintain an expansionary fiscal stance, which may stimulate short-term growth but could exacerbate fiscal pressures, posing significant uncertainties for the macroeconomic landscape in 2026 [12].