Yen Rebound Spurs Speculation of Sustained Strength
The Japanese yen has rebounded in recent days after experiencing significant weakness, fueled by a combination of US pressure to correct its depreciation, large-scale Japanese currency intervention, and growing expectations of consecutive Bank of Japan rate hikes.
The yen-dollar exchange rate had surged to around 164 per dollar but retreated to the mid-150s, sparking speculation that the prolonged period of yen weakness may be reaching a turning point.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's remarks at a G20 finance ministers' meeting earlier this month suggested the yen was undervalued and appeared to press Japan to raise its benchmark interest rate.
A Japanese banking industry official noted that the yen could strengthen to around 152 per dollar if US inflation data comes in soft and the Federal Reserve holds its benchmark interest rate steady at its FOMC meeting, due on Friday.