Yen Gains Amid Global Risk Aversion, Equity Rout on AI Disruption Fears

Global markets witnessed a significant shift towards risk aversion, triggered by a sharp sell-off in US equities, particularly the NASDAQ. Resurfacing fears surrounding AI disruption were identified as a primary catalyst for this downturn, leading to broad declines across Asian markets as well. Fixed income markets mirrored the equity vulnerability, reflecting the prevailing uncertainty. This flight to safety propelled demand for traditional safe-haven assets, with US Treasuries seeing increased buying. Consequently, the 10-year yield tumbled notably. Amidst this turbulent environment, the Japanese Yen demonstrated remarkable resilience, strengthening significantly as investors sought refuge from market volatility.