Expert Warns Against Betting on Yen as Safe Haven Amid Iran Crisis

Thomas Matthews, head of Asia-Pacific markets at Capital Economics, has advised investors not to rely on the yen as a safe-haven asset during the ongoing Iran crisis. According to Jin10, Matthews highlighted two factors that may diminish the yen's appeal as a refuge. He noted that the yen is particularly sensitive to energy prices among the G10 currencies. Additionally, relative yield movements have shifted unfavorably for the yen. Matthews stated, "All these factors suggest that investors should not expect the yen to regain its status as a safe-haven currency during the current crisis." He also mentioned that the yen's movement towards 160 against the dollar could be fundamentally supported, potentially weakening the case for foreign exchange intervention.