Finance
Japan finance chief excludes no options to counter volatile yen moves
Japan is keeping tabs on factors driving the yen’s fall relative to the U.S. dollar and will respond as appropriate to excessive volatility without ruling out any options, Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki said Friday.
Suzuki told reporters that the government will also take steps to minimize the negative impact of the weaker yen on people’s livelihoods and the broader economy after the Japanese currency fell to a new 34-year low of 153.32 in New York overnight.
Financial markets remain vigilant about the possibility of market intervention by Japanese authorities to arrest the yen’s rapid depreciation.
A weak yen was once welcomed as a boon to exporters, particularly automakers that form the backbone of the economy, as it boosts their overseas profits in yen terms. In recent years, however, the negative side has become increasingly clear amid higher import costs for energy and raw materials, in a blow to businesses and households.
“Currency movements should be stable, reflecting fundamentals. Excessive fluctuations are not desirable,” Suzuki said, adding that he is in “constant contact” with Masato Kanda, the country’s top currency diplomat, over market developments.
“It’s not just the (foreign exchange) rates we are looking at with a heightened sense of urgency but also the background moves,” he said. “We will act appropriately to excessive volatility without ruling out any options.”
The yen is on a downtrend as financial markets expect the wide interest rate differential between Japan and the United States to remain.
Its fall beyond 153 against the dollar came after the Bank of Japan’s first interest rate hike in 17 years, while the Federal Reserve is now widely expected to take more time before cutting interest rates due to sticky inflation.
Repeated verbal warnings are viewed as preceding actual intervention by Japanese authorities. Japan previously stepped into the market by buying the yen for the U.S. currency in October 2022 after it fell to 151.94, higher than its level of around 153 on Friday in Tokyo.
Suzuki declined to reveal the government’s assessment of the factors behind the yen’s recent depreciation and whether preparations are being made with Kanda for a fresh yen-buying, dollar-selling operation.
Related coverage:
Japan warns “all options” on table to counter excessive yen moves
Yen sinks to 153 range vs. dollar, 1st time in 34 years
Harley-Davidson’s new CEO wants to transform how people think about the iconic motorcycle brand, so the company is trying something different.
This week, Harley announced a new strategy that focuses on lower-priced bikes, rather than relying on older, more affluent customers to buy its higher-margin touring models.
“Back to the Bricks builds on our core strengths and competitive advantages, harnessing the passion of our riders to deliver profitable growth for the Company and both our dealers and shareholders,” Harley CEO Artie Starrs said this week. “As we drive towards this new phase of growth, we remain committed to the craftsmanship and dedication that define our brand.”
Entry-level Harley-Davidsons cost about $13,000, while the higher-end Adventure Touring models average about $23,250, and the Premium Range &CVO models cost about $38,500, according to Reuters.
Harley’s new strategy targets a core profit of over $350 million from its motorcycle business by 2027 and over $150 million in cost reductions.
To kick off the new strategy, Harley is introducing Sprint, a new entry-level model powered by a smaller 440cc engine, later in the year.
What is Harley-Davidson’s “Back to the Bricks” strategy?
Harley’s new strategy relies on more than just pushing buyers toward cheaper vehicles to increase volume. The 123-year-old company has a set of five pillars on which it is building its future.
Harley-Davidson “Back to the Bricks” 5-point plan
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Deep appreciation of Harley-Davidson’s competitive advantages and legacy: The Company’s iconic brand, diversified and powerful revenue channels, and best-in-class dealer network provide a powerful foundation for growth.
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Renewed commitment to exclusive dealer network to drive enterprise profitability: Harley-Davidson’s dealers are a competitive advantage. The Company is planning actions to enable dealers to double profitability in 2026 and then double it again by 2029.
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Immediate actions to recapture share in areas where Harley-Davidson has right to win: Harley-Davidson has strong legacy equity in existing markets including new motorcycles, used motorcycles, Parts & Accessories, and Apparel & Licensing. The Company’s new strategy is focused on positioning the Company to regain share and drive meaningful volume growth in categories where it benefits from credibility, scale, and deep rider connection.
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Strong financial position with a path to stronger free cash flow and EBITDA margin: Cost and restructuring actions already underway support a path to stronger free cash flow and EBITDA margin over time.
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Bolstered management team with balance of fresh perspectives and institutional knowledge: Harley-Davidson has made a number of leadership appointments that support the Company as it leverages its innate strengths.
Written by Jitendra Parashar at The Motley Fool Canada
Dividend investing can be one of the simplest ways to build long-term wealth while creating a steady stream of passive income. But in my opinion, a good dividend stock is about much more than just a high yield. Beyond dividend yield, investors should also look for companies with durable businesses, reliable cash flows, and a history of rewarding shareholders consistently over time.
That’s exactly why many investors turn to financial stocks. Banks and asset managers often generate recurring earnings through lending, investing, and wealth management activities, allowing them to support stable dividend payments even during uncertain market conditions.
Two Canadian financial stocks that stand out right now are AGF Management (TSX:AGF.B) and Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSX:TD). Both companies offer attractive dividends backed by solid financial performance and long-term growth strategies. In this article, I’ll explain why these two financial stocks could be worth considering for income-focused investors right now.
AGF Management stock continues to reward shareholders
AGF Management is a Toronto-based asset manager with businesses across investments, private markets, and wealth management. Through these divisions, the company offers equity, fixed income, alternative, and multi-asset investment strategies to retail, institutional, and private wealth clients.
Following a 59% rally over the last 12 months, AGF stock currently trades at $16.67 per share with a market cap of roughly $1.1 billion. At current levels, the stock offers a quarterly dividend yield of 3.3%.
One reason behind AGF’s strong recent performance is its increasingly diversified business model. The company has expanded its investment capabilities and broadened its geographic reach, helping it perform well across varying market environments.
In the first quarter of its fiscal 2026 (ended in February), AGF posted free cash flow of $36 million, up 14% year over year (YoY), driven mainly by higher management, advisory, and administration fees. These fees climbed to $92.5 million as demand for the company’s investment offerings strengthened.
AGF has also been focusing on expanding its alternative investment business and introducing new investment products. With strong cash generation and growing demand for alternative investments, AGF Management looks well-positioned to continue rewarding investors over the long term.
TD Bank stock remains a dependable dividend giant
Toronto-Dominion Bank, or TD Bank, is one of North America’s largest banks, serving millions of customers through its Canadian banking, U.S. retail banking, wealth management and insurance, and wholesale banking operations.
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