Japan Economy in Goldilocks Zone on Dollar-Yen: Smith

The transcript discusses Japan's economic outlook, highlighting a favorable yen rate and potential corporate profit growth in 2017. It examines the Bank of Japan's monetary policy under Governor Kuroda, suggesting minimal changes until his term ends in 2018. The conversation also touches on global trade dynamics, particularly the impact of protectionism and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) on Japan's trade strategy, emphasizing Japan's low tariff rates and potential for new trade agreements.

What are the current inflation rates mentioned in the text, and how do they relate to normalization?

What challenges does Japan face in light of global protectionist sentiments?