Точка Синхронізації

Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato emphasized on Tuesday in Tokyo that the Japanese government must maintain a highly professional and strategic approach toward managing the nation’s foreign exchange reserves following recent market volatility. Speaking during a regular press conference on November 12, 2024, Kato addressed mounting public and political questions regarding the potential use of these massive reserves to fund government spending or stabilize the yen, asserting that any actions must align with international standards and long-term economic stability. The Finance Minister's remarks come at a critical time as Japan grapples with the persistent weakness of the yen against the US dollar and other major currencies. Kato clarified that while the reserves serve as a vital buffer for the national economy, they are not a bottomless source of discretionary funding. He stressed that the management of these assets requires deep technical expertise and a careful assessment of market impact, as abrupt or unprofessional shifts in reserve composition could trigger unintended consequences in global financial markets. Furthermore, Kato's statement serves as a rebuff to certain political factions within the country that have suggested tapping into foreign exchange reserves to finance supplementary budgets or social welfare programs. By reinforcing the 'professional' nature of reserve management, the Ministry of Finance is signaling to international investors that Japan remains committed to orthodox monetary and fiscal policies. The minister noted that maintaining the credibility of Japan’s financial oversight is paramount to preventing speculative attacks on the currency. Looking ahead, the Japanese government remains under pressure to balance the need for economic stimulus with the necessity of defending the yen’s value. Japan currently holds one of the world's largest stockpiles of foreign currency, primarily in US Treasuries, making its management strategies a point of intense interest for global central banks. Kato concluded that while the government will monitor exchange rate fluctuations with high alertness, the sanctity of the reserve management process will remain protected from short-term political interference.