- April 17, 2026
- Posted by: EWGFX
- Category: news
USD/JPY rose to 159.40 on Friday, with the Japanese yen surrendering all the gains accumulated since the beginning of this week. Pressure intensified following comments from Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda, who failed to provide clear guidance on rates ahead of the next meeting.
Ueda noted that the regulator must balance rising inflation against the risks of an economic slowdown. Ahead of previous rate decisions, he had provided more explicit signals, and the market had expected a similar tone.
At the same time, investors acknowledge that the BoJ may raise its inflation forecasts amid rising energy prices.
Earlier in the week, the yen had strengthened following statements from Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama regarding coordination with the US
Treasury on foreign exchange policy and a readiness to intervene in the market if necessary.