The value of the Japanese yen reached its highest level in four months, supported by expectations of an early interest rate hike by the Bank of Japan (BOJ) and increased demand for safe-haven assets.
According to Bloomberg News, the yen rose to 148.63 per dollar at one point on the morning of the 26th. This marked the highest level in four months since October 11 of last year.
By around 4 p.m. that day, the dollar-yen exchange rate was hovering around 149.52 yen. An increase in the dollar-yen exchange rate indicates a decline in the yen's value.
Compared to this year's high of 158.87 yen recorded on the 10th of last month, the yen has appreciated by 6.4% against the dollar.
Bloomberg attributed this to increased demand for safe-haven assets following news of U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to tighten semiconductor export regulations. It also added that investors are betting on the possibility of further BOJ rate hikes, marking the strongest outlook for yen appreciation since early October last year.
The BOJ raised its short-term policy rate from 0.25% to 0.5% last month on the 24th, marking the first increase in six months.
Japan's consumer prices (excluding fresh food) rose 3.2% year-on-year last month. This was the largest increase in 19 months since June 2023. The BOJ has stated that if inflation remains stably above 2% and wages rise accordingly, it may consider further rate hikes.
According to Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei), on the 19th, BOJ Policy Board member Takata Hajime mentioned the need for additional rate hikes, saying, "If the (economic) outlook materializes, it will be a phase to shift gears."
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