Kenichiro Ikezawa Quotes (4 Quotes)

The weak data is adding to concern over the economic outlook in Japan, which is negative for the yen.

People will look for a reason to buy the dollar as the currency's drop this month isn't warranted given the outlook for further rate increases. They may use figures such as production data as a reason to buy the dollar.

It will probably be a long way off before we get to a 2 percent inflation rate, meaning the BOJ is not going do any imminent rate increases. That will keep the rate-differential theme and push the yen lower.

The yen got its boost because Fukui's comments signaled the moment of truth is approaching. An end to the super-easy policy in April could be a done deal, and the bank may raise rates in the last six months of 2006.