The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) along with Japan, China, and South Korea says it will launch a $120bn reserve fund, increasing the foreign exchange reserves that the region can draw on in times of turmoil. Japan has offered an additional $60bn via a swap line. Can regional funds provide an Asian alternative to the IMF?
This chart compares the Treasury and Agency holdings of China and Japan. As the chart shows, the amount of debt that the U.S. owes to China has increased sharply this decade and the amount owed to Japan remains high. Will the United States’ continuing need for financing leave it in a weaker position relative to the major holders and purchasers of U.S. debt?
The G7 has expressed concern over the implications of excessive yen volatility for financial and economic stability, but fell short of promising coordinated action. The graph above illustrates the extreme nature of the yen’s rise. For example, the yen has appreciated 22% against the euro and 35% against the Aussie dollar in the last month alone. The G7 may have to intervene in foreign currency markets to restore stability.
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