What to Know as Volatility Rips Across Japan's Markets

Yen & Bond Market Dynamics - The yen's safe-haven status is under threat as it weakens [1] - Political uncertainty, economic concerns, and slow interest rate hikes by the Bank of Japan are driving the yen's decline [2] - Increased volatility in Japan's markets presents new opportunities for profit [5] Widowmaker Trade - The "widowmaker trade" (selling Japanese government bonds) is becoming more profitable [1][2] - This trade involves borrowing and selling bonds, betting that yields will increase [3] - Rising interest rates and expectations of increased government spending by the new prime minister are driving bond traders' bets [4] Economic Shift - Japan's economy is shifting from a rut to a state of inflation and growth [4][5] - Fiscal and monetary policy decisions are now major market movers [5]