Current Account is the sum of the balance of trade (exports minus imports of goods and services), net factor income (such as interest and dividends) and net transfer payments (such as foreign aid).

Current Account

In Japan, Machinery Orders refers to the month-over-month change of the private sector machinery orders, excluding volatile ones for ships and those from electric power companies.

Machinery Orders YoY

Machinery Orders MoM

In 2019 imports to Japan dropped 5 percent from the previous year's record high amid global trade tensions. Main imports were: mineral fuels (22 percent of total imports), with petroleum accounting for 10 percent and LNG for 6 percent; electrical machinery (15 percent) on the back of telephony, telegraphy and semiconductors; chemicals (10 percent) due to medical products and organic chemicals; machinery (10 percent) in particular computers and units; foodstuff (9 percent) such as fish and fish preparations and meat and meat preparations; manufactured goods (9 percent) on nonferrous metals; and raw materials (6 percent) mainly ore of nonferrous and iron ore and concentrates. Japan's main import partners were China (23 percent), the EU (12 percent) in particular Germany (3 percent), the US (11 percent), Australia (6 percent), South Korea (4 percent), Saudi Arabia (4 percent), Taiwan (4 percent), the UAE (4 percent) and Thailand (4 percent).

Imports YoY

Exports of high technology products have been the engine of Japan's economic growth since 1960. Exports account for around 19 percent of total GDP. In 2019 exports fell 5.6 percent from the previous year's record high amid global trade tensions. Main exports were: transport equipment (24 percent of total exports), with motor vehicles accounting for 16 percent; machinery (20 percent) on the back of power generating machine and semicon machinery; electrical machinery (17 percent), such as semiconductors, IC and electrical apparatus; chemicals (11 percent), mainly plastic materials and organic chemicals; and manufactured goods (11 percent), such as iron and steel products, nonferrous metals and manufactures of metals. Japan's main export partners were the US (20 percent), China (19 percent), the EU (12 percent) in particular Germany (3 percent), South Korea (7 percent), Taiwan (6 percent), Hong Kong (5 percent), and Thailand (4 percent).

Exports YoY

Japan’s trade balance has fluctuated in recent years partly because of disruptions to production and other problems related to the coronavirus pandemic. In 2022, the country recorded persistent monthly trade deficits as imports surged more than exports. On one hand, the weak yen has helped to drive exports to record highs but on the other, it had made the cost of imported products especially food and energy commodities very expensive. The biggest trade deficits were reported with Australia, China, and Middle East countries while the biggest trade surpluses were recorded with the United States, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Singapore.

Balance of Trade

In Australia, interest rates decisions are taken by the Reserve Bank of Australia's Board. The official interest rate is the cash rate. The cash rate is the rate charged on overnight loans between financial intermediaries, is determined in the money market as a result of the interaction of demand for and supply of overnight funds.

RBA Jones Speech

Inflation Rate MoM measures month over month change in the price of goods and services.

Inflation Rate MoM

The Federal Reserve's anticipated Funds Rate announcement on Wednesday 18th September 2024 has been the topic of much conversation among analysts recently. As US inflation eases, the forecast...

The Federal Funds Rate Announcement: How Will it Impact Markets?

This week is set to bring a wave of significant economic events and data releases, creating ample trading opportunities for both intraday and swing traders. While Monday lacks major economic ...

Weekly Market Analysis for 16th September 2024

The European Central Bank (ECB) has taken a definitive step by cutting its key interest rates to 3.5%. This move comes amidst a backdrop of cooling inflation and declining economic growth for...

ECB Cuts Interest Rates by 25 bp to 3.5%

This week is shaping up to be a significant one for traders, with a series of key economic events and data releases that could trigger market volatility. Intraday and swing traders should be ...

Weekly market analysis 9th September 2024

Understanding key spread betting strategies is essential for all traders looking to trade the markets with this instrument. Spread betting allows participants to speculate on the direction of...

Spread Betting Strategies and Technical Tools for Better Trades

This week promises to be eventful for traders, with several critical economic data releases and events expected to create market volatility. As the US markets are closed today due to a holida...

Weekly Analysis 2nd September 2024

Due to the upcoming holiday on the 2nd September due to Labor Day, the trading hours for some instruments and markets will be affected.

See the changes to the trading schedule below.

Change...

Changes to market hours for Labor Day 2024

The United Kingdom has produced some of the most influential tech companies in the world, spanning various sectors from artificial intelligence to fintech. Among the biggest British tech comp...

Top gainers

Top losers

Relative currency strength

Client sentiment

Technical analysis

Technical views

Technical indicators

Oscilators

Moving Averages

Summary

Oscilators

Moving Averages

Summary

Oscilators

Moving Averages

Summary

Oscilators

Moving Averages

Summary

Latest market news

Todays economic data releases