Yen weakens ahead of Prime Minister vote

The yen weakened toward 151 per dollar on Monday, extending losses from the prior session as investors prepared for Japan’s leadership vote on Tuesday that will decide the country’s next prime minister.

Sentiment was shaped by news that the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party agreed to form a coalition government, paving the way for Sanae Takaichi to become Japan’s first female premier.

The so-called “Takaichi trade,” fueled by expectations of increased fiscal spending and loose monetary policy, spurred buying in Japanese equities while pressuring domestic bonds and the yen.

Investors also looked ahead to next week’s Bank of Japan meeting, where policymakers are widely expected to keep rates unchanged.

Externally, the safe-haven yen faced selling as risk appetite improved amid signs of easing US-China trade tensions.