Yen Strongest in 15 Years versus US Dollar

global economy,japanese government,united states dollar,counterpart,economists,yen,assets,currencyThe latest value of the Yen against the United States Dollar is strongest since 1995. This is in lieu of the slowing of the global economy and the demand for safe assets is increasing. The U.S. currency also gained compared to its counterpart countries. Despite this certain asset for the Japanese government, many economists pointed out that it reacted very slowly into taking advantage of the situation.

According to Amelia Bourdeau, who is a strategist specializing in currencies in UBS AG, Stamford, Connecticut, a lot of currencies, especially those in the Greater 10 countries, whose policy makers have turned dovish. The Yen, however, has climbed towards 106.37, which is 1.3 percent higher than yesterday’s value at 107.79, as recorded in New York.

The Yen increased 1.6 percent against the U.S. Dollar, to 83.79 yen per dollar, compared to the previous value of 85.16 yen per dollar. Today, the yen also reached 83.60, which is the strongest value of the yen since June of 1995. On the other hand, the dollar weakened against the Euro, from 1.2657 dollars per euro to 1.2692 dollars per Euro.

However, it reached 1.2588 dollars per euro, which is the strongest since July 13. Slumped forecast of Homes and foreclosures in the U.S. are just one among the many reasons for the yen’s strength.

New Zealand Dubbed as Most Peaceful Nation

New Zealand is Most Peaceful CountryThe 2010 GPI, otherwise known as Global Peace Index, has honored New Zealand as the world’s most peaceful nation. This is the same index that has awarded Iraq as the most violent country last year. The criteria for judging a nation is the crime rate, respect for human rights and budget allocation for defense or defense spending.

This index is compiled annually by the Institute of Economics and Peace and the Economist Intelligence Unit. This is the second year in a row that New Zealand has bested close to 150 countries. The others in the top 5 were Iceland, Japan, Austria and Norway. Apart from Japan, the other three were also in the top 5 the previous year. Japan moved up from the 7th spot. Another important thing to note is the United States rank. From 83rd last year, it worsened to 85th.

Their findings also conclude that the world’s overall peacefulness has declined for the second year in a row. The institutions data showed that the growing instability and rise of conflicts arose due to the global economic downturn that spared no one in 2008. There is a noticeable increase in violent demonstrations, discontent, homicides and crimes in several countries as the global economy still seeks to stabilize itself.
The data also shows that the Korean Peninsula has become less peaceful for the past two years. Partially to blame for this is the constant tension between the North and South. Not to mention the recent investigation being made by several countries on the sinking of a South Korean navy ship only worsens their disposition.

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