We put together a list of our Top 10 Articles of 2022, through our analytics, by our online readers. We hope you enjoy a look back on subjects such as understanding hemp plastics, blister packaging vs. bottles for pharmaceutical products, how AI is changing the food industry, digital printing, the impact of packaging on supply chain performance, and more.

In 2023, the packaging equipment industry saw significant innovations, including Packsize's award-winning X5® solution, MGS's Matrix TL top-loading case packer, and Ishida Europe's ACP-700 series automatic case packing system. Read more about these game-changing innovations!

Packaging Strategies’ recent reporting on PACK EXPO International 2024 – though extensive – represents a mere fraction of the networking and expertise sharing that will take place at the event.

The retrofit contracts, won with large Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) companies, have since led to cooperations with packaging machinery manufacturers, including Volpak, Mespack and RA Jones.

Soft-fruit containers made with MONOAIR™ cushion technology now include square, large rectangular and standard versions.

Wrapper prevents loads from sliding off the pallet and adds protection from damage in transit.

Whether it's addressing labor shortages, increasing productivity or accommodating a growing SKU portfolio, the incorporation of palletizing and depalletizing systems has become vital for beverage warehouses.

The first product under the TOMA™ brand – and its underlying mindset – is a palletizing solution featuring the most advanced interface on the market, bringing together industrial robustness and user-friendliness with collaborative robotics.

Ultimation Industries LLC, a leader in conveyor technology and automation, has launched a new range of specialty automated delivery systems for the e-commerce and automotive industries. The specialty systems build on Ultimation’s success in providing conveyors for sequenced tire and wheel assemblies that can be directly unloaded from the trailer to the plant’s assembly line.

A variety of conveyor technologies were implemented to smoothly transport beverage cans between different processing machines in the line. 

Visitors to Dynamic Conveyor’s booth will be able to see the S Series in action during the event, taking place at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL.

S. Rozen’s buns and Vienna Beef Hot Dogs say they came up with a solution 16 years ago.

The PowerPak 1000 has been specially developed as an entry-level machine for the thermoforming segment and offers advanced functions previously reserved for machines in the higher performance range.

With a metal detector, metals that have one or both conductive magnetic characteristics will create a detectable signal. Non-magnetic stainless steel is harder to pick up — it’s a bad conductor — and certain food products with added iron, moisture, salt and acids tend to mask metal detection. Known as the “product effect,” this can impact inspection performance.

The need to modernize technology, automate, and provide sustainable solutions – plus supply chain woes – influence the billions being poured into expansion.

Around half the sheetfed offset presses Heidelberg sells go to packaging customers, and the folding carton market is a strategic growth segment for Heidelberg.

The strategic investment includes recruitment, new processing and production equipment, refits to its sites in New Zealand and the creation of a dedicated corrugated studio at the company’s UK headquarters.

With April 20 approaching, we look at how cannabis producers can partner with local printers to create high-quality packaging that adheres to local laws and regulations while also establishing brand identity and increasing brand recognition.

By introducing the series, XSYS provides a unique and new approach to printing plates using renewable raw materials as part of the plate formulation. Furthermore, the plates can be processed 20% faster, leading to time and energy savings.

Working with RM Machinery, Colbert purchased an RMGT 1060TP-LX 10-CC-LD+UV. The unique configuration of the press allows for multiple colors, coatings and cold foil enhancement inline.

Videojet 2380 large character marking system now employs up to four printheads to print on multiple sides of cases and cartons.

There are just a couple to take note of, as highlighted in bold.

And they are for EUR/USD at the 1.0930 and 1.0950 levels. If anything else, the expiries should help to keep price action more locked in that range in the session ahead. All that before we get to US trading of course, where we could see volatility and market action pick up before the weekend.

There are also some modest ones for USD/CAD and AUD/USD. However, given prevailing spot levels, the expiries are unlikely to feature into play.

For more information on how to use this data, you may refer to this post here.

There are a couple to take note of on the day, as highlighted in bold.

The first one is for EUR/USD at the 1.0950 level. That sits near the 100-hour moving average at 1.0949 currently with the bigger picture focus being on the pair's 100-day moving average at 1.0935. Keeping below both is underscoring a more downside bias, so the expiries here adds an extra layer to that for the session ahead at least.

Then, there is a relatively large one for USD/JPY at the 149.00 level. If anything else, that could put a floor on price action at least until the expiries roll off later in the day. That especially with it being a partial US holiday to start the new week, providing little incentive for markets to go running.

For more information on how to use this data, you may refer to this post here.

There are some large ones on the board for today but may not feature into play given the current spot price levels.

The one for EUR/USD is seen at the 1.1000 mark but as the dollar holds firmer, it's not likely to factor into price action in the session ahead. There are also some large ones on the board for the pair in the days ahead, so we'll see if those will come into play.

Then, there is one for AUD/USD at the 0.6675 and 0.6775 levels. Recent price action for the pair is more of a consolidation around 0.6700 to 0.6750, so it might take a bit to break the mold in the session ahead. To the downside, there is additional support from the 100-day moving average at 0.6693 so that could limit any drop. And with the dollar keeping steadier, topside potential remains capped for now.

So, that's the state of play with regards to the larger expiries for the day.

For more information on how to use this data, you may refer to this post here.

There aren't any major expiries to take note of on the day. As such, trading sentiment might be a bit more muted in the session ahead. The dollar is keeping steadier across the board, so that continues to be the running theme since two weeks ago. There's no significant extension of that this week but there's no reversal signs either as of yet.

In terms of expiries, there is a large one for EUR/USD at the 1.0950 level but given the price action we're seeing, it isn't likely to feature into play. But just in case it does, do take note of it as that could limit any upside pullback in the session ahead at least.

That being said, the 100 and 200-hour moving averages at 1.0918 and 1.0947 respectively as well as the 100-day moving average at 1.0936 are more pertinent levels to watch out for in case buyers do try and make a play.

For more information on how to use this data, you may refer to this post here.

There is just one to take note of on the day, as highlighted in bold.

That being for AUD/USD at the 0.6700 level. When paired together with the technical predicament here, the expiries add another layer for buyers to have to chew through in the session ahead. As such, that might help to limit gains in European morning trade at least. That considering the dollar is also continuing to keep steadier throughout the week.

For more information on how to use this data, you may refer to this post here.

There is just one to take note of on the day, as highlighted in bold.

That being for EUR/USD at the 1.0850 level. It isn't one that ties too much with any key technical levels but the expiries could help to just keep a lid on price action for the session ahead. That considering there is little else to work with for the time being. But stronger resistance is seen closer to the 200-day moving average at 1.0871 and then the 100-hour moving average at 1.0880 currently.

For more information on how to use this data, you may refer to this post here.

There are a couple to take note of on the day, as highlighted in bold.

The first being for EUR/USD at the 1.0885 level. It isn't one that holds much technical significance, especially with the 100-hour moving average at 1.0866 pinning price action down for now. But it could play a role in limiting any upside extensions in the session ahead at least.

Then, there is one for USD/CAD at the 1.3800 level. That alongside the 100-hour moving average of 1.3788 could help to provide a floor for price action, at least for the session ahead for the pair.

All of this considering the lack of key catalysts to get major currencies moving to kick start the week of course.

For more information on how to use this data, you may refer to this post here.

There are just a couple to take note of, as highlighted in bold.

The first one is for EUR/USD at the 1.0850 level. It coincides with the 100-hour moving average currently, which is where price action was held up in trading yesterday. As such, the expiries alongside the key near-term level there should limit any upside extensions in the session ahead at least. Not to mention that there is a large one at the same level there for tomorrow.

Then, there is one for AUD/USD at the 0.6675 level. It isn't one that holds much technical significance so I wouldn't the expiries to provide too much of a draw. However, it could still anchor down price action during the session especially with the 100 and 200-hour moving averages seen at 0.6688-00 currently.

For more information on how to use this data, you may refer to this post here.

There are a couple to take note of on the day, as highlighted in bold.

The first being for EUR/USD at the 1.0850 level. The size of the expiries is noteworthy but it might not feature too much into play as the dollar is keeping firmer this week. Besides that, there is the 100-hour moving average at 1.0834 keeping a ceiling on price action for now. As such, that could limit the influence and impact of the expiries. But if we do see it come into play, expect that to be a spot in anchoring any upside extensions.

There will be more expiries towards the downside under 1.0800 in the day ahead, so there's that to consider as well.

Besides that, there is one for AUD/USD at the 0.6670 level. It isn't one that ties to any technical significance again, but it could just keep price action a little stickier with little else to work with in the session ahead. Near-term upside for the pair is more limited by the 100-hour moving average at 0.6689 currently.

For more information on how to use this data, you may refer to this post here.

There are quite a number on the board for the day, as highlighted in bold.

The first ones are for EUR/USD at the 1.0780 level through to 1.0800. That might keep price action locked in for a while until we get to the euro area PMI data later. If there is downside surprises to the data, we could even see the expiries at 1.0750 get looped into play. That might provide some base for price action if the data stirs up appetite for a 50 bps rate cut by the ECB for December.

Then, there is one for USD/JPY at the 152.00 level and that could provide a bit of a floor to any retracement in price action we're seeing on the day. That at least until the expiries roll off. But again, the bond market remains the more influential driver for the pair at this stage. So, keep that in mind.

There is also one for USD/CAD at the 1.3810 level, and that sits in between the key hourly moving averages at 1.3802-20 currently. As such, that might keep price action in check above the 1.3800 level after the BOC yesterday.

And lastly, there is one for AUD/USD at the 0.6640 level. I wouldn't attach too much technical significance to it though but it may yet just act as a bit of a magnet for price action before rolling off. That is if risk sentiment continues to stay more muted and pensive in general. The 200-day moving average at 0.6628 remains the more attractive level to watch for the pair currently, with upside potential more limited closer to the 100-hour moving average at 0.6676.

For more information on how to use this data, you may refer to this post here.

There are a couple to take note of on the day, as highlighted in bold.

The ones for EUR/USD are seen at the 1.0800 and 1.0820 levels. The ones at the former held price action yesterday before rolling off and the ones today should keep downside price action more limited in between the key levels. Looking at the near-term chart, we are seeing price hold in between the 100 and 200-hour moving averages of 1.0809 and 1.0838. So, that is also boxing things in going into the session ahead.

Then, there is one for USD/CAD at the 1.3855 level. It isn't one that holds any technical significance but may just anchor price action before we get to the Canadian retail sales data later in the day at least.

For more information on how to use this data, you may refer to this post here.

There is just one to really take note of on the day, as highlighted in bold.

That being for EUR/USD at the 1.0800 level. Alongside the 100-hour moving average nearby at 1.0802 currently, it is likely to keep a lid on price action in the session ahead. That especially with higher yields continuing to underpin the dollar in general to start the new week. But the range for the day is relatively narrow, so we might see some extension plays but arguably limited by the expiries above. If anything, the 200-hour moving average at 1.0827 will act as a "safety net" of sorts in limiting any outsized price extensions with little catalysts for the time being.

For more information on how to use this data, you may refer to this post here.

There is just one to take note of on the day, as highlighted in bold.

It's the same one for EUR/USD as seen yesterday, at the 1.0800 level. The expiries today are relatively large and could provide a draw/magnet for price action in the session ahead. That could very well keep the price range more limited, alongside key near-term levels.

The 200-hour moving average, seen at 1.0820 currently, is still providing a ceiling for any upside extensions. And price action is trading narrowly in between that and the 100-hour moving average, seen at 1.0803 currently. So, the expiries at 1.0800 adds to some pull in and around those levels.

That until they roll off later in the day or we get a key catalyst of sorts, which isn't likely given the lack of items on the economic calendar until US trading.

For more information on how to use this data, you may refer to this post here.

There are just a couple to take note of on the day, as highlighted in bold.

And they are both for EUR/USD at the 1.0775 and 1.0850 levels. The expiries are sandwiching the spot price at the moment with price action this week largely contained in between 1.0780 through to 1.0825. As such, the expiries will add to those defensive layers on either side.

That being said, the euro side of the equation will come into focus with plenty of CPI and GDP data in the day(s) ahead. So, just be wary of that.

In terms of technicals, the pair is consolidating somewhat after testing the August low of 1.0777. Buyers are holding on somewhat with the near-term chart also reflecting that, with price action now just above its 100 and 200-hour moving averages of 1.0809-15. But I would argue getting above the Friday high of 1.0839 will do more to convince of a potential turnaround for buyers. So, keep that in mind as well.

For more information on how to use this data, you may refer to this post here.

There are a couple to take note of, as highlighted in bold.

The first one is for EUR/USD at the 1.0850 level and that is likely to limit price action until we get to the euro area inflation data later. The numbers there offers a risk to the single currency, but there is also still a ceiling from the 200-day moving average at 1.0868. That will be a key technical level to watch in the day ahead.

Then, there is one for USD/CHF at the 0.8650 level. With price action holding below the 100-day moving average of 0.8677 in the past few days, the expiries here could keep things more locked in until traders feel comfortable to chase the next key technical push in the pair. Just be wary that there is another large set of expiries at the same level for tomorrow too.

And lastly, there is one for EUR/GBP at the 0.8350 level. It isn't one that holds much technical significance but could offer a bit of a floor to price action after the rise yesterday, in which the pound was dragged down amid the UK budget while the euro perked up on CPI and GDP data.

For more information on how to use this data, you may refer to this post here.

Justin is away for today. This is my sad imitation of his awesome option expiry post ;-)

Justin will be back on Monday.

EUR/USD

• 1.0900 (EUR1.1bn), 1.0840 (EUR863m)

USD/CAD

• 1.3940 (US$693m), 1.3885 (US$650m), 1.3900 (US$457m)

GBP/USD

• 1.2900 (GBP638m), 1.2850 (GBP600.4m), 1.2800 (GBP490m)

AUD/USD

• 0.6700 (AUD451m)

NZD/USD

• 0.6100 (NZD720m)

USD/CNY

• 7.1500 ($854m)

EUR/GBP

• 0.8340 (EUR719m), 0.8400 (EUR328m), 0.8200 (EUR305m)

For more information on how to use this data, you may refer to this post here.

There are a couple to take note of on the day, as highlighted in bold.

The first one is for EUR/USD at the 1.0900 level. The figure level isn't one that holds any technical significance but the expiries could well help to box in price action in the session ahead. That without much fresh headlines involving the US election in the meantime. However, with the dollar under pressure, there is still a chance of European traders following through on the earlier price action. So, that's something to be wary about.

Then, there is one for AUD/USD at the 0.6600 level. The expiries are pretty huge and sits near the 200-hour moving average of 0.6599 currently. But the pair is largely driven by dollar dynamics to start the week, with the greenback opening with a gap down on US election sentiment. That is still the key driver to watch in the session(s) ahead but just note of the 200-day moving average at 0.6627 for the pair. That will be the bigger key level to watch on the charts for now.

For more information on how to use this data, you may refer to this post here.

There are just a couple to take note of, as highlighted in bold.

And they are for EUR/USD at the 1.0850 and 1.0900 levels. Considering the focus on the US election, this will keep price action more boxed in going into European trading and before we get to the election rush later in the day.

Besides that, market sentiment will be largely driven by election headlines over the next few sessions more so than anything else.

For more information on how to use this data, you may refer to this post here.

There is just one to take note of on the day, as highlighted in bold. But on a day like this, the influence of the expiries is far from the first thing in driving or impacting trading sentiment. It's all about the US election and the momentum flows riding from the results and emotions. As such, I wouldn't place much emphasis on the large one at 1.0725 currently for EUR/USD.

For more information on how to use this data, you may refer to this post here.

There are a couple to take note of, as highlighted in bold.

They are both for EUR/USD at the 1.0725 and 1.0775 levels. To some degree, the expiries might just lock price action in between these levels but it's all about post-election sentiment now. And momentum flows will be the key driver of the moves, in particular the dollar. For now though, the greenback is seeing a slight pullback to yesterday's gains. So, the ones at 1.0775 could help to just keep a lid on things until we get to US trading at least.

For more information on how to use this data, you may refer to this post here.

There are just a couple to take note of on the day, as highlighted in bold.

And again, they are all for EUR/USD layered in between 1.0750 through to 1.0800. Post-election sentiment is still the name of the game in driving FX flows now, so the expiries are just secondary drivers alongside everything else at the moment. That being said, they could play a role in keeping price action more boxed in until we get to US trading again later.

There aren't any key risk events on the calendar to really impact EUR/USD sentiment. So, it's all about how the post-election flows will settle as we look towards the end of the week.

For more information on how to use this data, you may refer to this post here.

There is just one to take note of, as highlighted in bold.

That being for EUR/USD at the 1.0700 level. The daily lows last week were held by the figure level, so the expiries will add another layer to that as we get the new week underway at least. With the bond market absent to start the week, there might not be too much appetite for traders to chase any outsized moves.

For more information on how to use this data, you may refer to this post here.

There are just a couple to take note of on the day, as highlighted in bold.

And they are both for EUR/USD at the 1.0600 and 1.0625 levels. The pair is being pressured to the downside, touching its lowest levels since April now as the dollar continues to rampage forward. As such, that will put added emphasis on key support from the April low of 1.0601. The expiries above will just add a bit of a defensive layer as well, at least for the session ahead.

There will also be another notable one at 1.0600 for tomorrow, so just keep that in your back pocket in case. But for now, the post-election dollar sentiment continues to be the number one driver.

For more information on how to use this data, you may refer to this post here.

The cryptocurrency market is evolving rapidly, and with it, advanced financial instruments like futures and options have emerged as popular tools for traders seeking to maximize their investment strategies. While these derivatives allow for speculative trades and strategic risk management, they each have unique characteristics, pros and cons, and complexities that make them suitable for different types of traders. As these instruments gain popularity, especially in crypto-focused financial hubs often termed as "Crypto Cities," understanding the nuances between futures and options has become essential for modern investors.

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the mechanisms behind futures and options, their applications in cryptocurrency markets, and which scenarios favor each instrument. Whether you are looking to leverage a small investment into potentially higher returns or hedge your existing crypto holdings, this guide will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of futures and options and how they fit into the ever-expanding landscape of crypto trading.

What Are Futures in the Crypto Market?

Definition and Mechanism

Crypto futures are financial contracts obligating the buyer to purchase (or the seller to sell) a specific cryptocurrency at a predetermined price at a specified future date. Unlike spot markets, where transactions are settled instantly, futures allow traders to speculate on the future price movement of a cryptocurrency without owning the underlying asset.

Key Features of Crypto Futures

• Leverage: Futures contracts allow traders to control a larger position with a smaller amount of capital by using leverage. However, this amplifies both gains and losses.
• Settlement Date: Futures have an expiration or settlement date, which defines when the contract must be fulfilled or closed.
• Market Liquidity: Futures often have high liquidity, particularly for popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Pros and Cons of Futures

• Pros:
• High potential for returns with leveraged positions.
• Flexibility to profit from both rising and falling markets.
• No need to own the underlying cryptocurrency.
• Cons:
• Elevated risk due to leverage, which can lead to significant losses.
• Expiry dates require positions to be managed actively.
• Complex for beginners without financial background or trading experience.

What Are Options in the Crypto Market?

Definition and Mechanism

Crypto options give traders the right, but not the obligation, to buy (call option) or sell (put option) a cryptocurrency at a specified price on or before a certain date. This characteristic provides a flexible way to speculate on price movement or hedge against potential losses.

Key Features of Crypto Options

• Premium: To acquire an option, traders pay a premium, which is the upfront cost of the contract.
• Expiration Date: Like futures, options also have an expiration date, after which the option becomes invalid.
• Limited Risk for Buyers: The maximum loss for an option buyer is limited to the premium paid, whereas sellers face potentially unlimited losses.

Pros and Cons of Options

• Pros:
• Lower initial cost since only the premium needs to be paid.
• Limited risk for option buyers.
• Flexibility to hedge against price volatility.
• Cons:
• Options pricing can be complex, involving factors like volatility and time decay.
• Potential for unlimited losses for option sellers.
• Premiums can reduce profitability if the market doesn’t move in the anticipated direction.

Futures vs. Options: Key Differences

Obligation vs. Right

• Futures: With futures, both buyer and seller are obligated to fulfill the contract at expiration.
• Options: Options buyers are not obligated to exercise the contract. They can choose to let it expire if it’s unprofitable, minimizing potential losses to the premium paid.

Risk Exposure

• Futures: Leverage can amplify profits and losses, meaning traders can lose more than their initial investment.
• Options: Options buyers face limited risk, making it an appealing choice for conservative traders.

Expiration and Liquidity

• Futures: Have higher liquidity and are generally easier to enter and exit.
• Options: Can have less liquidity, particularly in crypto markets, making them more suitable for specific trading strategies.

Use Cases: When to Use Futures vs. Options

Trading Speculation

Futures are highly suited for short-term speculation, particularly when a trader has strong expectations about the direction of the market. By leveraging positions, traders can make the most of price fluctuations in the crypto market.

Options, on the other hand, are often used for strategies that benefit from volatility. Traders might buy options when they anticipate significant movement in either direction but are uncertain of which way it will go.

Hedging and Risk Management

Options are commonly used as a hedging tool because they provide a means to protect an investment from adverse price movements while only risking the premium. For instance, a crypto investor holding Bitcoin may purchase a put option to limit potential losses.

Futures, while also used for hedging, involve more risk due to their obligatory nature and leverage. They may be preferable for institutional traders or seasoned investors with significant exposure in the crypto market.

Crypto Cities and the Future of Derivative Trading

In emerging "Crypto Cities" like Miami, Singapore, and Dubai, crypto derivatives trading has become more accessible due to regulatory advancements and sophisticated trading infrastructure. These hubs promote financial innovation, supporting platforms that offer both futures and options trading with advanced risk management features. Leveraging tools like quantum ai can enhance trading analysis in these markets, allowing traders to make data-driven decisions and better manage the complexities of futures and options.

FAQ: Futures vs. Options in Crypto Markets

What are the main differences between futures and options in crypto?

Futures require an obligation to buy or sell at a set date, while options provide the right but not the obligation to execute the trade. This distinction gives options more flexibility.

Are futures riskier than options?

Yes, futures are generally riskier due to leverage and the obligation to settle the contract, while options limit the buyer’s risk to the premium paid.

Can I use both futures and options in crypto trading?

Yes, using both allows traders to diversify their strategies, speculating with futures while hedging with options.

Which is better for short-term trading, futures or options?

Futures are often better for short-term speculation due to their high liquidity and leverage.

What is the role of quantum ai in trading futures and options?

Quantum ai assists traders by analyzing vast amounts of data to identify trends and make data-driven trading decisions, helping to navigate the complexities of derivatives.

Do all exchanges offer futures and options trading?

No, only certain exchanges offer both. It’s essential to choose a reputable exchange that supports these derivatives and offers tools for risk management.

How does leverage work in futures trading?

Leverage allows traders to control a larger position with a smaller amount of capital. However, it also increases the potential for losses.

What factors affect options pricing?

Options pricing is influenced by the underlying asset’s price, volatility, time to expiration, and the strike price.

Can options expire worthless?

Yes, if an option is out of the money at expiration, it becomes worthless, and the buyer loses the premium.

Is it possible to hedge with both futures and options?

Yes, futures can be used for directional hedging, while options provide flexibility to hedge against volatility and risk.

Conclusion

In the dynamic landscape of cryptocurrency trading, understanding the differences between futures and options is vital for traders looking to maximize their strategies and manage risk. While futures offer a straightforward, leveraged approach to capitalize on price movements, options provide flexibility and limited risk exposure, making them suitable for cautious investors and complex trading strategies.

By integrating advanced tools like quantum ai into trading strategies, investors can gain insights into market trends and optimize their decision-making process. Whether operating in a traditional market or an emerging Crypto City, being informed about futures and options can enhance trading outcomes and provide a competitive edge in the crypto market.

There are just a couple to take note of, as highlighted in bold.

They are both for EUR/USD at the 1.0600 and 1.0650 levels. The former in particular will continue to be a notable one, adding another layer to key support at the figure level for the time being. As such, the expiries are likely to once again keep price action locked in until we get to US trading later at least.

As an aside, just be wary of the larger option expiries at the same level of 1.0600 through the week. And on Friday, EUR/USD also has a very large one pinned at 1.0700. So, just be wary of that in case.

For more information on how to use this data, you may refer to this post here.

• Eurostoxx -0.3%
• Germany DAX -0.2%
• France CAC 40 -0.1%
• UK FTSE +0.1%
• Spain IBEX flat
• Italy FTSE MIB -0.2%

There's some push and pull in the opening stages but the changes here don't take away from the heavy selling yesterday. As mentioned since last week, the outlook for European indices remain challenging considering the more dour economic outlook in the region. So far today, US futures are also a little more subdued with S&P 500 futures down 0.3%.

For some context, these subsidies did come to an end in May but were reinstated in August through to October to cope with the warmer weather. Subsequently, they were continued until this year-end but the funds had to be drawn from reserves in the budget for the fiscal year that started in April.

NHK is now reporting that the government is considering keeping these subsidies from January through to March next year. Amid a higher cost of living in key populated areas such as Tokyo, the measure above is mainly to try and combat rising consumer prices.