In 2008 the $ went up during the crash by a large amount around 20 -30 % iirc as a safe haven for investors i think we ll go into a bearmarket this month
Smart importers should take advantage of the situation. I know the dollar has risen way more against the yen since Abe was elected. Did Phillip O'hanlon actually reduce prices on his Luxman gear? I'm not sure. Some importers think keeping prices excessive increases their product's prestige. Sometimes that makes sense. But in this situation, it's foolish, IMO.
Audiophiles are always looking for ways of getting around the importer's markup. So it makes a lot of sense for importers to take new exchange rates into consideration when pricing their products.
Since the volume of sales of high-end is so low, the last thing they would do is reduce prices.
The Yen has lost almost 40% of its value against the dollar since Abe was elected in 2012. That's stunning.
?
Unfortunately, I don't think so. High end audio is a luxury industry, whether people believe it or not. So many people feel good about themselves when they pay more. It's like a self esteem boost. So regardless of relatively moderate currency adjustments, they will instead keep going up.
To me, a more interesting question is what would happen with increasing stock market volatility we have had recently, and if we were to enter a long term bear market.
OK, Michael, you've got my attention so although its off topic, I just have to ask: Please clarify- exactly who is "Abe?"
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