Currency

A sale of 30-year Japanese bonds drew firm demand on Thursday, delivering some calm to the market. This activity provided relief amid concerns regarding currency turmoil and worries over the government’s debt load.

Asian shares mostly declined despite a U.S. stock rally driven by easing oil prices, as regional investors weighed the impact of a recent U.S.-Japan currency intervention. Key indices like the Nikkei 225 fell, while the U.S. dollar inched up against the yen, with analysts noting uncertainty over the intervention's long-term effectiveness.

Colombia imported US$3,161.2 million in vehicles from January to May 2026, with a reported 68.2% growth rate in volume and 28.8% growth in dollar value. The discrepancy between these figures is partially attributed to currency fluctuations.

The article provides a 2026 guide to Brazil's economy for foreigners, expats, and investors, covering GDP growth, inflation, interest rates, fiscal rules, currency, and key sectors. It is published by The Rio Times.

Coinkite released fixed firmware for Coldcard hardware wallets after a critical bug compromised private key generation, potentially stealing over 1,000 bitcoins. The vulnerability, likely involving AI in the breach, affected Coldcard MK3 devices with specific firmware versions. Users who did not use dice rolls or BIP 39 passphrases are at risk, and Coinkite advises firmware updates and wallet migrations to secure funds.

A firmware bug in Coldcard Wallet's Mk3 model caused weak entropy in seed generation, leading to predictable private keys and the theft of over $70 million in Bitcoin. Coinkite advised users of affected models (Mk3, Mk4, Mk5, Q) to move funds after hackers exploited the vulnerability to drain multiple addresses.

Hong Kong is launching Chinese government bond futures for the third time, aiming to provide a hedging tool crucial for the globalization of China's debt market and currency. Beijing supports the initiative as part of its efforts to expand financial market integration.

India’s central bank sold about $7 billion to defend the rupee on Friday, marking one of its largest direct interventions in months. The action was taken to stabilize the currency.

Bank Indonesia’s governor resigns amid falling stocks and a declining currency, raising concerns about policy unpredictability. The abrupt departure of a technocrat during a volatile period has intensified worries about economic stability.

Cross-border transactions in Africa frequently depend on the US dollar as an intermediary currency, while direct exchange of African currencies remains challenging. Limited mechanisms exist for countries to settle payments using local currencies, highlighting issues with policy fragmentation and dollar dependence.

Bolivia's floating dollar rate has fallen below 11 bolivianos per US dollar, the lowest since the end of a 15-year fixed exchange rate in June 2026 via Ministerial Resolution 245. Economy Minister Gabriel Espinoza mentioned the IMF program on July 22.

Asian shares rose with South Korea's Kospi up 4.4% and Tokyo's Nikkei gaining 0.5%, driven by AI-related stocks. Mideast tensions pushed Brent crude to $97.61, a 3.8% increase, while U.S. futures declined. The U.S. dollar reached 163.17 yen amid expectations of widening interest rate gaps between the U.S. and Japan.

Tokyo has pledged to take 'bold' action as the Japanese yen falls to a 40-year low against the dollar, dropping below ¥163. The currency decline marks the first time in nearly four decades that the yen has reached this level.

Soybeans and corn prices increased while wheat prices declined, influenced by Chinese demand, South American harvests, and currency fluctuations. The grain market movements were reported by The Rio Times.

A McMeal costs $20.90 in Tel Aviv (the most expensive globally) and $4.90 in Tokyo due to currency fluctuations. Tel Aviv's rising costs stem from a strong shekel driven by tech/defense industries and supply constraints, while Tokyo's weak yen, linked to two decades of near-zero rates, lowered prices. Domestic factors like housing and food supply shortages also contribute to Tel Aviv's high cost of living.

South Korea plans to liberalize its forex market by allowing foreigners to trade the won more freely, marking a significant step toward full currency convertibility. The move aims to make the won more accessible to foreign investors.

Mexico's inflation is now lower than the United States for the first time in many years, marking a significant economic milestone. The article discusses potential implications for expats, businesses, investors, and Mexican citizens, highlighting historical trends of Mexico's higher inflation leading to weaker currency and higher interest rates.

Fears that Burnham tax rises will harm economic growth persist as data indicates stalled expansion, while the Pound strengthens on speculation Ed Miliband will not become Chancellor.

Angola's central bank, Banco Nacional de Angola, added the Chinese yuan to its list of eligible reserve currencies effective 6 July 2026. Commercial banks can now hold mandatory reserves in US dollars, euros, South African rand, and yuan. Angola also owes China roughly US$17 billion in debt.

Indonesia’s deputy attorney general for special crimes, Febrie Adriansyah, is now suspected of corruption after authorities found 74kg of gold and over US$15 million in multiple currencies in a house linked to him. The discovery has sparked one of the largest scandals in Indonesia’s law-enforcement establishment.

Indonesians are showing dissatisfaction with Prabowo, as students protest and the country's currency weakens.

Markets are factoring in a 63% chance of a very strong El Niño event, with potential Pacific warming of 2.0°C or more from November to January. Brazil is highlighted as a key market to monitor, as weather patterns are being analyzed for their impact on currency and interest rates by Itaú BBA.

Indonesian students are becoming critical of Prabowo amid a weakening currency. Protests are occurring due to economic struggles and corruption allegations affecting welfare programs.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated the Chinese yuan is undervalued by 30%, exceeding the IMF's 16% estimate, and accused China of flooding markets with subsidized products and non-convertible currency. He called for 'Plaza Accord'-style negotiations to address these economic practices.

The yen depreciated sharply to 161.80 against the dollar, its weakest since July 2024, nearing a 40-year low. The decline has revived speculation about potential intervention.

An Israeli bank is severing ties with the West Bank, raising concerns about economic implications. The West Bank economy relies heavily on Israel, with the shekel as its primary currency.

Trump’s bill could affect the uniqueness of money by potentially placing the president's face on currency, which may be improper and ineffective.

Japan's factory-gate prices reached a three-year high, Indonesia intervened to stabilize its currency while allowing fuel prices to rise, and additional regional developments were reported.

Indonesia implemented an off-cycle interest rate hike to strengthen its currency. The move aims to stabilize the local currency amid economic pressures.

Indonesia's rupiah hit a record low of 18,155 per US dollar, triggering concerns about social stability and drawing comparisons to the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis. The currency's collapse has raised alarms about potential political consequences for Prabowo.

Indonesia's weak rupiah is boosting its appeal for Malaysian tourists and shoppers, with visitor numbers expected to rise. Melaka Tourism Association president Madelina Quah highlighted cheaper travel and shopping opportunities due to the currency's low value.

India's economy is under threat from challenges that cannot be resolved by currency measures. The article highlights ongoing economic vulnerabilities despite potential short-term fixes.

Rubio highlights 'massive destruction' in Iran, noting fractured leadership, hyperinflation, a worthless currency, and difficulties making payroll.

India's central bank may raise interest rates to address a falling currency and increasing inflation risks, similar to recent actions by Indonesia's central bank.

The Colombian Peso rose sharply against the U.S. dollar following right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella's lead in the presidential election. De la Espriella, a pro-business supporter of Donald Trump, will face socialist Iván Cepeda in a June 21 runoff. Ecopetrol shares increased 10.13% amid the market reaction.

Japan can take action on currency if there is volatility, according to Satsuki Katayama. The statement was made by Katayama in the news article.

Hong Kong authorities intervened for the third time in a week to support the currency as it approached the weak end of its trading band, with the city's interest rates at a three-year low. Visitors were noted at the Sky Terrace 428 of the Peak Tower on Victoria Peak.

Iran's currency has fallen to a new low due to the US blockade and sanctions, which have disrupted trade with key partners like China and the UAE.

BlackRock's Shigekawa warns that miscommunication by the Bank of Japan could pose risks to the yen. The BOJ maintained its benchmark rate but raised inflation forecasts, suggesting a potential earlier rate hike than anticipated.

The Indian rupee fell to a record low against the dollar amid concerns that 50% US tariffs will harm economic growth and corporate earnings. High crude oil prices are exacerbating pressure on the currency and triggering increased foreign outflows.