Group 1 - The Chief Investment Officer of Asset Management One Co., Shigeki Muramatsu, predicts that the USD/JPY exchange rate will fall below 150 after the Bank of Japan raises interest rates in April [1] - Asset Management One Co. is optimistic about purchasing Japanese super-long-term government bonds, which have become a focal point in the recent volatility of the Japanese bond market [1] - Concerns about the slow pace of monetary policy tightening by the Bank of Japan have contributed to the depreciation of the yen, which is nearing multi-decade lows [1] Group 2 - U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has urged Japan to allow the Bank of Japan to raise interest rates further to combat inflation, with market pricing indicating a 69% probability of a rate hike in April [3] - Muramatsu believes that the apparent policy coordination between the U.S. and Japan increases the likelihood of an earlier rate hike by the Bank of Japan [3] - The yield on Japan's 30-year government bonds has stabilized around 3.64% after a significant rise last month, making them attractive for investment [3] Group 3 - If the USD/JPY exchange rate falls below 150, the Japanese stock market may face pressure; however, Asset Management One Co. maintains a long-term bullish outlook on the Japanese stock market due to expected increased investment in risk assets by Japanese households [3]

Group 1 - The international gold market is experiencing a significant decline, with prices hovering around $3280 after a period of selling pressure, indicating a reversal in bullish sentiment among both Wall Street institutions and retail investors [1] - Kitco's latest weekly gold survey shows that only a few analysts and retail investors maintain a bullish stance, highlighting a clear shift in market sentiment [1] Group 2 - Japanese Deputy Finance Minister Mitsuura denied media reports suggesting a desire for a weaker dollar and a stronger yen, emphasizing that no ideal exchange rate was discussed in talks [2] - Despite Japan's inflation exceeding the 2% target for the third consecutive year, concerns over potential GDP reductions due to new U.S. tariffs lead to expectations that the Bank of Japan will maintain its current policy stance [2] - There is an increasing likelihood of the Bank of Japan tightening monetary policy further by 2025 due to significant wage growth from large corporations over the past two years [2] - Market participants are betting that the Federal Reserve will restart its rate-cutting cycle in June, potentially lowering rates by 1 percentage point by the end of the year, which could support the yen [2] Group 3 - International gold prices fluctuated last week, starting from a range of $3346-$3351, peaking at $3370 before declining to around $3287, indicating a volatile trading environment [3] - Current resistance levels for gold are identified at $3336-$3343 and $3316, suggesting potential challenges for upward price movement [3]