💥 1 Trillion Dollar Crisis: Japan's BOJ Rate Hike Threatens Global Markets
On December 19, the Bank of Japan is expected to raise rates by 0.25% (25 bps).
The rate hike seems small, but it could have a huge impact on finance worldwide.
Why is this important?
1️⃣ Risk of Yen Carry Trade Ending
For years, investors have borrowed cheap Japanese yen (JPY) and invested that money in higher-yielding U.S. assets, such as US Treasuries.
But when Japan raises rates, borrowing in yen will become expensive.
This means that this old profitable method will no longer yield profits.
2️⃣ The Great Unwind — Major Reversal
When this trade is no longer profitable,
investors will sell their U.S. assets to repay the borrowed yen.
3️⃣ Pressure on U.S. Bonds (US Treasuries)
Japanese funds are among the largest foreign holders of U.S. debt.
If they start selling Treasuries:
U.S. Treasury prices will fall
Their yields will increase
This means:
✔️ The cost of borrowing for the U.S. government will rise
✔️ Mortgages will become more expensive for homebuyers
✔️ Financing will become more expensive for businesses
Bottom Line
Japan's move
Will tighten global liquidity
Create a fear/risk-off environment in the markets
Could bring significant volatility to stock and bond markets
As cheap Japanese capital is drying up.