The Bank of Japan kept its benchmark interest rate at 1% on Thursday, while stepping into currency markets to buy yen after the dollar surged past 163. The intervention pushed the greenback below 158 before the yen partially gave back those gains, trading around 160.175 early Friday in Asia.
Why the BOJ stepped in
The yen has been under relentless pressure since the BOJ raised rates to 1% in June — the highest level in 31 years. But that hike hasn't been enough to stem the selloff. Investors keep borrowing cheap yen to buy higher-yielding dollar assets, a strategy known as the carry trade. The US dollar index fell 0.7% in the previous session and was on pace for a 1.5% weekly drop, giving Tokyo a window to act.
What the intervention means
Senior FX strategist Rodrigo Catril said the timing suited Japan's interests because the dollar was already weakening and risk sentiment was calmer. “The intervention came at a time when the dollar was already on the back foot and risk sentiment was relatively calm,” Catril said. That combination made it easier for the BOJ to maximize the impact of its yen purchases.
Analysts polled by Reuters expect the BOJ to raise its rate again to 1.25% by the end of the year. The central bank's next policy meeting is in September, and markets will be watching for any hints of another hike. For now, the BOJ is relying on a mix of rate policy and direct intervention to defend the yen.
