The CHF to JPY exchange rate has recently reached a 90-day high near 198.4, reflecting a 3.1% increase above its three-month average of 192.5. This notable movement comes as the Swiss Franc experiences influences both domestically and in the global arena. Analysts attribute the CHF's strength to ongoing speculation regarding potential reductions in US tariffs on Swiss exports, which could support the currency amidst deflationary pressures and the Swiss National Bank's (SNB) cautious approach to monetary policy, maintaining an interest rate of 0%. Coupled with recent reports of unchanged inflation rates at 0.2%, there are concerns that the SNB may introduce further easing measures to combat deflation, which could temper any long-term strength of the CHF.
On the other hand, the Japanese Yen is facing a different set of challenges. The Bank of Japan's recent decision to raise interest rates to 0.75%, a level not seen in three decades, aims to address persistent inflation exceeding the BOJ's target. This tightening of monetary policy may offer some support to the yen, yet ongoing trade tensions and the imposition of significant tariffs by the newly re-elected US administration could undermine the yen's stability. Economists suggest that heightened tariffs on Japanese imports might aggravate the economic landscape in Japan, potentially offsetting the benefits from increased interest rates.
In conjunction with these developments in currency policy, fluctuations in oil prices also play a role in shaping exchange rate dynamics. The current price of Brent Crude oil at USD 60.89, which is 3.9% below its three-month average, suggests volatility that can indirectly impact the JPY through its trade balance and economic performance.
Overall, the CHF to JPY exchange rate appears influenced by a complex interplay of domestic and international factors, with expectations for the CHF gaining strength tempered by the possibility of further easing from the SNB, while the JPY may react to both rising interest rates and ongoing external trade pressures. Stakeholders in the currency market should closely monitor these developments as they navigate their international transactions.