empty
01.05.2025 11:31 AM
The Japanese Yen Has Declined Sharply — Here's Why

The yen fell sharply against the dollar and bond yields declined after the Bank of Japan (BoJ) left interest rates unchanged and pushed back the expected timeline for hitting its inflation target amid rising uncertainty due to U.S. tariffs. The Japanese currency dropped 0.5% to 143.79 after the BoJ held its benchmark rate steady at 0.5%. Meanwhile, the 10-year government bond yield fell 4.5 basis points to 1.265%, and the five-year sovereign yield slid 6 basis points to 0.82%.

This image is no longer relevant

The BoJ now expects inflation to align with its 2% target in the second half of the extended forecast period, which has been pushed out by a year to include fiscal 2027. The central bank also noted that price risks are skewed to the downside and emphasized the high level of uncertainty surrounding future trade policy.

The BoJ's decision to maintain its monetary policy sparked a mixed reaction among economists and analysts. On one hand, the policy stance is intended to support economic recovery, particularly amid global instability. On the other hand, the lack of further rate hikes undermines the yen's appeal as a safe-haven asset in the current climate, potentially leading to a more prolonged period of depreciation against the U.S. dollar.

Despite the optimistic inflation forecast, many experts doubt its feasibility given persistent global economic challenges and geopolitical tensions. In particular, unpredictable trade policies and potential supply chain disruptions could significantly impact prices and economic growth. The BoJ will need to monitor developments closely and be ready to adjust policy if necessary. Striking a balance between supporting the economy and controlling inflation is crucial for ensuring sustainable and balanced growth.

Futures market traders also adjusted their expectations for further tightening, with overnight index swaps now pricing in a 39% chance that the BoJ will raise rates by year-end.

"The BoJ's outlook report was more dovish than expected," said analysts at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities Co. "It likely signals an intention to wait for a clearer picture of the impact of U.S. tariffs before resuming rate hikes."

The yen had been strengthening against the dollar for four consecutive months, hitting its highest level since last September last week, as Trump's trade war spurred a sell-off in U.S. assets and boosted demand for safe havens. According to data from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), net long yen positions among speculative traders recently hit an all-time high.

Traders will continue to closely monitor any signals from BoJ Governor Kazuo Ueda regarding future rate hikes — especially amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and the yen's recent strength.

Jakub Novak,
Analytical expert of InstaForex
© 2007-2025
Select timeframe
5
min
15
min
30
min
1
hour
4
hours
1
day
1
week
Earn on cryptocurrency rate changes with InstaForex
Download MetaTrader 4 and open your first trade
  • Grand Choice
    Contest by
    InstaForex
    InstaForex always strives to help you
    fulfill your biggest dreams.
    JOIN CONTEST

Recommended Stories

XAU/USD. Analysis and Forecast

Gold is declining below the $3300 level today. U.S. PCE data met expectations. A shift in trade flows is helping the U.S. dollar regain positive momentum. This is also undermining

Irina Yanina 17:37 2025-05-30 UTC+2

Inflation Is Almost Under Control

While the euro continues to hold its ground against the dollar, European Central Bank (ECB) Governing Council member Fabio Panetta indicated during an interview today that inflation in the eurozone

Jakub Novak 13:40 2025-05-30 UTC+2

USD/CAD. Analysis and Forecast

The USD/CAD pair is attempting to regain positive momentum today, though traders remain cautious ahead of the key U.S. Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index release. As a preferred inflation

Irina Yanina 13:22 2025-05-30 UTC+2

EUR/USD. Analysis and Forecast

The EUR/USD pair continues to struggle to recover after rebounding from the 1.1200 level reached earlier, showing a moderately negative bias, although the decline remains limited. The U.S. dollar

Irina Yanina 13:19 2025-05-30 UTC+2

Legal Disputes Between Trump and Companies Over Tariffs Will Negatively Impact Markets (There Is a Likelihood of Continued Decline in Bitcoin and Litecoin Prices)

Global markets are significantly influenced by events occurring in the United States, where both political and economic spheres continue to swing like a pendulum. Earlier this week, after the U.S

Pati Gani 11:11 2025-05-30 UTC+2

More Time is Needed

Dallas Federal Reserve Bank President Lorie Logan indicated yesterday that it might take some time before policymakers understand how the economy will react to tariffs and other policy changes

Jakub Novak 10:53 2025-05-30 UTC+2

The ECB Should Not Delay Rate Cuts

While the euro is trying to regain its monthly highs after a fairly significant correction seen this week, a survey of several economists shows that the European Central Bank

Jakub Novak 10:49 2025-05-30 UTC+2

Markets Demand an Appeal

The S&P 500 started the day strong but ended on a downbeat note. Initially buoyed by the U.S. Court of International Trade's ruling that the White House's tariffs were illegal

Marek Petkovich 10:33 2025-05-30 UTC+2

What to Pay Attention to on May 30? A Breakdown of Fundamental Events for Beginners

Several macroeconomic reports are set to be released on Friday, but none are deemed particularly significant. In Germany, the inflation report for May will be released, with expectations

Paolo Greco 06:51 2025-05-30 UTC+2

GBP/USD Overview – May 30: Justice Has Prevailed, but for How Long?

The GBP/USD currency pair closed below the moving average line on Thursday, and the dollar strengthened for three consecutive days. However, everything changed in the second half

Paolo Greco 03:51 2025-05-30 UTC+2
Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
Widget callback
 

Dear visitor,

Your IP address shows that you are currently located in the USA. If you are a resident of the United States, you are prohibited from using the services of InstaFintech Group including online trading, online transfers, deposit/withdrawal of funds, etc.

If you think you are seeing this message by mistake and your location is not the US, kindly proceed to the website. Otherwise, you must leave the website in order to comply with government restrictions.

Why does your IP address show your location as the USA?

  • - you are using a VPN provided by a hosting company based in the United States;
  • - your IP does not have proper WHOIS records;
  • - an error occurred in the WHOIS geolocation database.

Please confirm whether you are a US resident or not by clicking the relevant button below. If you choose the wrong option, being a US resident, you will not be able to open an account with InstaForex anyway.

We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by this message.