Yen Weakens on Cautious BOJ Rate Outlook
The Japanese yen weakened to around 158.5 per dollar on Wednesday, giving back gains from the previous session after reports suggested the Bank of Japan was reluctant to deliver a rare back-to-back interest rate hike this month, while still considering a possible increase in December. The central bank reportedly sees limited justification for consecutive rate hikes unless there are clear signs of a sharp rise in upside inflation risks. Meanwhile, BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda said policymakers would continue to closely monitor bond yields, reiterating that long-term interest rates should be determined by market forces. His remarks signaled a cautious approach to monetary policy as the central bank moves further away from strict yield control. The yen also remained under pressure from rising oil prices, as escalating hostilities between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthi rebels heightened concerns over potential supply disruptions in the Middle East.
5 per dollar on Wednesday, giving back gains from the previous session after reports suggested the Bank of Japan was reluctant to deliver a rare back-to-back interest rate hike this month, while still considering a possible increase in December. The central bank reportedly sees limited justification for consecutive rate hikes unless there are clear signs of a sharp rise in upside inflation risks. Meanwhile, BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda said policymakers would continue to closely monitor bond yields, reiterating that long-term interest rates should be determined by market forces.
His remarks signaled a cautious approach to monetary policy as the central bank moves further away from strict yield control. The yen also remained under pressure from rising oil prices, as escalating hostilities between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthi rebels heightened concerns over potential supply disruptions in the Middle East.