intervention News & Analysis

Yen (JPY) Falls to 161 Against Dollar, Approaching 40-Year Low

The Japanese yen (JPY) breached the 161 level against the U.S. dollar on Thursday, nearing its weakest point since 1986. After Japanese stock markets closed, the currency dropped to as low as 161.80, renewing speculation about possible intervention by Tokyo. Despite over $70 billion in interventions by Japan's finance ministry in May and a recent rate hike by the Bank of Japan, the yen remains under pressure due to structural factors like high U.S. Treasury yields. Officials, including finance minister Satsuki Katayama, have expressed readiness to take decisive action against speculative movements in the currency market.