Core Viewpoint - The Japanese yen is experiencing significant depreciation as market expectations for a rate hike by the Bank of Japan diminish, with the USDJPY exchange rate reaching 153 yen per dollar, the lowest since February 14 [1]. Group 1: Currency Impact - The selection of Sanae Takaichi in the Liberal Democratic Party leadership contest has contributed to the yen's decline, as she advocates for lower interest rates, which are generally detrimental to domestic currencies [1]. - The yen's drop past the 150 level against the dollar is perceived as an initial phase of a more extensive decline, with comparisons drawn to former Prime Minister Abe's policies that favored monetary and fiscal stimulus over structural reforms [2].

Interest Rate Expectations & Monetary Policy - The market widely anticipates the Federal Reserve (Fed) to cut interest rates this month [1][2] - A surprisingly strong CPI number could lead to a reduction in the number of rate cuts priced in for next year, potentially lifting short-term yields [2] - The European Central Bank (ECB) is expected to remain on hold, with potential minor changes in forecasts [4] - Market expectations for the Bank of Japan (BOJ) to raise interest rates have shifted to next year, although some analysts still anticipate a hike this year [7][8] Currency Market - A strong CPI number's impact on the dollar is uncertain; it could either support the dollar with lifted yields or continue the depreciation trend [4] - The market is watching for the Euro to break out of its recent range and reach the 1.20 level, but it remains around 1.18 [5] - The dollar is expected to weaken if the Fed cuts rates while the ECB remains on hold, but this expectation is not strongly reflected in market activity [6] - Citigroup anticipates the dollar/yen to decline significantly, driven by the expectation of a BOJ rate hike [8] Economic Indicators - Recent inflation and jobs data have supported the idea that the Fed needs to proceed with rate cuts [3] - Bloomberg Economics suggests a potentially weak but not overly concerning economic outlook for the Eurozone [5] Geopolitical Factors - Political disruptions in Japan could complicate the BOJ's ability to implement a rate hike [7][8] - The intersection of politics and central bank decisions will require careful monitoring in the coming weeks [9]

Interest Rate Scenarios - Base case: No interest rate cut or raise is expected, with a 99.5% likelihood [1][2] - Bull case: A surprise interest rate cut is considered extremely unlikely but would signal a dovish Fed stance, potentially leading to hyperinflation [1] - Bear case: An interest rate hike is considered a chaotic scenario [1] Market Outlook - The market has already priced in the "no cut, no raise" scenario [1] - ETH's current lows around 3710 are expected to be the weekly lows [1] - Institutional buying is expected to drive the market upwards in the coming weeks [1] Potential Outcomes - Abundance is expected in August [1] - In a bull case scenario, BTC could potentially reach $600,000 [1] - In a bear case scenario, all markets could descend into chaos [1]