As Japan plans a Cabinet reshuffle, GBP/JPY is aiming for a two-week high near 169.00

During the Tokyo trading session, the GBP/JPY pair has extended its recovery and is seeking to cross the 168.00 threshold. As market sentiment improves, the cross approaches a two-week high close to 169.00. Despite projections of a slower pace of rate hikes by the Bank of England, the British pound is expected to continue its upward trajectory (BOE).

The public is still arguing if the Autumn Statement has restored confidence and capability in the UK's economic prospects or has worsened the forecasted picture.

Shell, a provider of renewable energy and energy solutions, is reconsidering its expansion plans in the British energy market after the incoming UK government announced windfall taxes. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt increased the tax rate from 25% to 35% in the long-awaited "memorial service for Trussonomics."

The expanded tax mentioned in the Chancellor's Autumn Statement is leading Shell to reconsider a number of ongoing projects, including North Sea investments and renewable energy programs, according to David Bunch, chairman of Shell UK.

UOB economists maintain their prediction of a 50 basis point (bps) change in the United Kingdom's interest rate at its monetary policy meeting in December. They feel the BOE still has work to do, given that Hunt has decided to delay the majority of the severe repercussions of fiscal consolidation, which means fiscal policy will do little to combat inflation."

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan told Mainichi that investors in Tokyo are becoming anxious because the Japanese government expects to reshuffle its Cabinet before the end of the year. This may result in a period of Japanese yen volatility. On the economic front, Thursday's release of the PMI results is anticipated by investors. The Jibun Bank Manufacturing PMI is considered stable at 50.7. While Services PMI is expected to decline significantly to 53.1%, Manufacturing PMI is expected to climb marginally to 54.2%.