The Japanese Yen is considered a safe haven currency primarily because the majority of Japan’s debt is held locally, by japanese citizens. Unlike in the Unites States where , in case of default – many countries would be at risk of loss – Japan’s debt is mostly held locally and therefore represents a higher degree of safety.
A weaker yen translates into increased competitiveness for Japanese companies overseas, since they can provide products and services their cheaper and still reap a healthy profit in yen when they repatriate their profits from abroad.
When currency traders start to see money flowing “out” of the yen – this is often a sign of “risk on” behavior, as the money is seen exiting the safe haven protection of the Yen – and likely filtering into higher risk currencies and assets.
Overnight, we’ve seen a considerable wave of Yen selling as many other currencies have made considerable ground (USD some 80 pips as well CHF for 100 pips, as well AUD , NZD and even the EUR) So keeping a close eye on the Yen can prove to be valuable indication, that a turn is near.
I am currently long USD/JPY, AUD/JPY, NZD/JPY as well long EUR/JPY – AUD/USD, NZD/USD and short USD/CAD.