GBP/JPY reaches fresh 16-month highs above 205.50

The post GBP/JPY reaches fresh 16-month highs above 205. 50 appeared com. GBP/JPY extends its winning streak for the fourth consecutive session, reaching 205. 52, the highest since July 2024, during the Asian hours on Thursday. The currency cross gains ground as the Japanese Yen (JPY) declines on the potential for Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to unveil a stimulus package exceeding JPY 20 trillion. Members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) also proposed a supplementary budget exceeding JPY 25 trillion to support the plan, well above last year’s JPY 13. 9 trillion extra budget. The massive spending plan raised market caution amid concerns about Japan’s fiscal health. However, the upside of the GBP/JPY cross could be restrained as the JPY may receive support on the Reuters poll, indicating the Bank of Japan (BoJ) appears poised to raise interest rates to 0. 75% from 0. 50% at its December 18-19 meeting. Forecasts remain closely balanced, 53% of respondents anticipate a December hike, and all economists who offered a longer-term view expect rates to reach at least 0. 75% by the end of Q1 2026. BoJ board member Junko Koeda said in a speech Thursday that supply-demand indicators show the output gap near 0% and that labour markets remain tight amid a growing labour shortage. Koeda stated that “in this situation, I believe the bank must continue to raise the policy interest rate and adjust the degree of monetary accommodation in accordance with improvement in economic activity and prices.” She emphasized that ongoing economic and price trends warrant further policy adjustment. Additionally, the GBP/JPY cross may edge lower as the Pound Sterling (GBP) could face challenges amid signs of cooling price pressures, which have strengthened expectations for a Bank of England (BoE) rate cut in December. After the UK CPI release, traders raised the probability of a December BoE cut to 85% from 80% before the data.

LETTER: Let WDAC do its job

Here we go again with Washington County bureaucrats thinking they can take and spend drug and alcohol money better than the agency contracted for those services. In the year 2000, Washington County pulled in drug and alcohol services as part of county government. Within 12 months those services had to be put out for Request […]

A’ja Wilson rocks Bam Adebayo jersey in Heat-Warriors game

WNBA star A’ja Wilson definitely brought the heat on Wednesday. Wilson was on hand to support the Miami Heat as they took on the Golden State Warriors at Kaseya Center. She might’ve been the lucky charm after the Heat got the win, 110-96. In case you’re still not aware, the 29-year-old Wilson is the girlfriend [.] The post A’ja Wilson rocks Bam Adebayo jersey in Heat-Warriors game appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Travis Kelce, Jason Kelce pokes fun at Cam Skattebo on New Heights

Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce had some jokes for Cam Skattebo’s taco technique on a recent episode of New Heights. The conversation followed Skattebo’s appearance alongside chef Guy Fieri on a segment of Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli. The Kelce brothers chimed in on their podcast to share their mastery of eating tacos, [.] The post Travis Kelce, Jason Kelce pokes fun at Cam Skattebo on New Heights appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Idaho magic

By Soncirey MitchellReader Staff Growing up in Sandpoint means learning to identify “Idaho magic” and I don’t mean admiring the sun-drenched mountains or the sparkles on the snow. For local kids, Idaho magic. The post Idaho magic appeared first on Sandpoint Reader.