Yen Hovers Near 161.96 Intervention Line as Japan Warns After 11.7 Trillion Yen Defense
Updated
Updated · Reuters · Jun 19
Yen Hovers Near 161.96 Intervention Line as Japan Warns After 11.7 Trillion Yen Defense
3 articles · Updated · Reuters · Jun 19
Summary
161.25 yen per dollar left markets on intervention watch in Tokyo after the currency touched 161.81 overnight, just below 2024's 161.96 peak that would mark its weakest level since 1986.
11.7 trillion yen of intervention in late April and early May failed to hold, as Japan's rate hike this week did little to narrow the wide U.S.-Japan yield gap that supports the dollar and carry trades.
Satsuki Katayama said authorities are ready to act decisively against speculative moves, while BOJ Deputy Governor Ryozo Himino warned exchange-rate swings are increasingly affecting inflation expectations and the broader economy.
Speculative net short yen positions are at their highest since July 2024, and traders say thin liquidity around the U.S. Juneteenth holiday could make another Japanese market operation easier.