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According to Deep Tide TechFlow, on December 17, economist Alicia Garcia Herrero analyzed that the continued weakness of the yen is becoming the decisive factor for the Bank of Japan and the Japanese government to reach a consensus this month and support the long-awaited interest rate hike. Despite concerns about US tariffs and broader geopolitical risks, the Japanese economy has proven to be more resilient than expected. Short-, medium-, and long-term inflation expectations remain above the Bank of Japan's 2% target, which strengthens the case for further policy normalization. Food prices have pushed up the core inflation rate, and the yen has continued to weaken against the US dollar near 155, which may intensify imported inflationary pressures. Alicia Garcia Herrero expects the Bank of Japan to raise the policy rate by 25 basis points to 0.75% at its meeting on December 19. Looking ahead, if the yen fails to stabilize after the rate hike and continues to drag down real income, the Japanese government may also accept further policy tightening, which could open the door to another 25 basis point rate hike early next year. (Golden Ten Data)

BlockBeats News, December 17th, Federal Reserve Vice Chair Hasset's probability of becoming the next Federal Reserve Chairman has surpassed former Fed Governor Powell, reclaiming the top spot. On the prediction market Polymarket, Powell's probability of being nominated as Federal Reserve Chairman by Trump has dropped to 30%, while Hasset's probability of being nominated has risen to 52%. On the prediction market Kalshi, Powell's nomination probability has decreased to 31%, while Hasset's nomination probability has increased to 50%. Previously, U.S. Treasury Secretary Benson stated that there may be one to two more interviews for the Federal Reserve Chairman position this week. Trump has been very straightforward on policy-related questions during interviews. Both Powell and Hasset are "extremely qualified." Benson also refuted the notion that Hasset is ineligible to serve at the Fed, while also dismissing the view that a new Chairman would result in the Fed losing its independence.