The Japanese yen is under renewed pressure as the USD/JPY pair surges toward the key 158 level, driven by broad U.S. dollar strength and the Federal Reserve’s hawkish tone.
The Bank of Japan and the Ministry of Finance have issued escalating warnings, but a recent meeting between Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and BoJ Governor Kazuo Ueda failed to slow the currency slide.
The Japanese Yen (JPY) continues its descent against the U.S. dollar, hitting fresh lows as the Bank of Japan's dovish stance sharply contrasts with the Fed's hawkish outlook. pic.twitter.com/oSijtA4HDJ
— CME Active Trader (@CMEActiveTrader) November 20, 2025
The yen has weakened more than 3% in November, prompting traders to speculate that Tokyo may intervene in the FX market.
Analysts note that past interventions have been short-lived, though the upcoming Thanksgiving liquidity lull could provide a rare opening for effective action.
Bank of Japan board member Junko Koeda signaled that there could be a rate hike as soon as next month by pointing to the need for normalization, after the yen hit its lowest level in roughly 10 months. https://t.co/zhtsheGYls
— The Japan Times (@japantimes) November 20, 2025
If the pressure continues, the BoJ may be forced to consider interest rate hikes despite resistance from Takaichi’s fiscally dovish government.
Markets are watching for a decisive policy shift, with many arguing that only firmer monetary action can halt the yen’s rapid weakening.
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