Japanese Yen Plunges to 32-Year Low Against US Dollar — Another Intervention by Authorities Expected

Japanese Yen Plunges to 32-Year Low Against US Dollar — Another Intervention by Authorities Expected

The Japanese yen’s exchange rate versus the U.S. dollar recently plunged to its lowest rate in 32 years — 147.66 JPY per dollar. The yen’s latest fall comes less than a month after its slip in September prompted authorities to enter foreign exchange markets for the first time since 1998. Gap Between US Treasuries and Japanese Government Bonds Widening

The Japanese yen fell to a rate of 147.66 per dollar, its lowest exchange rate versus the U.S. dollar in 32 years, a report has said. The yen’s latest record-breaking fall came after official figures from the United States showed that prices had gone up faster than anticipated. The U.S. Federal Reserve has been using rate hikes to tame inflation but these have in turn caused the dollar to strengthen against other global currencies.

However, unlike other central banks that have followed in the footsteps of the U.S. Federal Reserve and raised interest rates, the Bank of Japan (BOJ) is said to have maintained an “ultraloose monetary policy.” Investors have in turn responded to the resulting gap between U.S. Treasuries and Japanese government bonds by selling the yen.

As reported by Bitcoin.com News in September, when the dollar’s rise caused the yen to slip to a 24-year low versus the greenback, the BOJ responded by intervening in foreign exchange markets for the first time since 1998. According to a BBC report, authorities in Japan are again likely to respond to the yen’s latest plunge with another intervention.

The report quotes the Japanese Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki who suggests that “appropriate action” will be taken to stop the yen from slipping further.

“We cannot tolerate excessive volatility in the currency market driven by speculative moves. We’re watching currency moves with a strong sense of urgency,” Suzuki reportedly said.

Preventing an ‘Adverse Financial Amplification’

In late September 2022, when the Japanese currency fell against USD by more than two yen in one day, the Japanese authorities responded by spending nearly $20 billion. While the intervention did help to stabilize the yen, some analysts still questioned the sustainability of such a solution.

However, in a new blog post, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) suggested that a temporary foreign exchange intervention may be the most appropriate solution. As explained in the blog, such a foreign exchange intervention can “help prevent adverse financial amplification if a large depreciation increases financial stability risks, such as corporate defaults, due to mismatches.”

In addition to helping to diminish the threat to financial stability, foreign exchange intervention could also potentially aid a country’s monetary policy, notes the IMF.

“Finally, temporary intervention can also support monetary policy in rare circumstances where a large exchange rate depreciation could de-anchor inflation expectations, and monetary policy alone cannot restore price stability,” the IMF blog explained. Tags in this story Bank of Japan, depreciation, dollar strength, financial stability, Foreign exchange, International Monetary Fund, Shunichi Suzuki, The US Federal Reserve, us treasuries

What are your thoughts on this story? Let us know what you think in the comments section below. Terence Zimwara

Terence Zimwara is a Zimbabwe award-winning journalist, author and writer. He has written extensively about the economic troubles of some African countries as well as how digital currencies can provide Africans with an escape route. Argentina Introduces New Exchange Rates to the Mix — "Qatar" and "Coldplay" Dollars Go Against IMF"s Warnings ECONOMICS | 2 days ago Rich Dad Poor Dad Author Robert Kiyosaki Warns About World War III ECONOMICS | 2 days ago

Image Credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons Previous articleLocalbitcoins, Crypto.com, Other Providers Suspend Services for Russians Under EU Rules Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a direct offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation or endorsement of any products, services, or companies. Bitcoin.com does not provide investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Neither the company nor the author is responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in this article. Read disclaimerShow comments More Popular NewsIn Case You Missed ItOman to Incorporate Real Estate Tokenization in Virtual Assets Regulatory Framework

Real estate tokenization is set to be incorporated into Oman Capital Markets Authority (OCMA)"s virtual asset regulatory framework. According to an advisor with the authority, the tokenizing of real estate will open investment opportunities for local and foreign investors. Real ... read more.Draft Law Regulating Aspects of Crypto Taxation Submitted to Russian Parliament Argentinian Securities Regulator Launches Innovation Hub to Discuss Regulated Crypto Investments FBI Issues Alert Concerning Malicious State-Sponsored North Korean Hackers Targeting Crypto Firms Ethereum Foundation"s Financial Report Discloses It Holds $1.6 Billion in Assets, 80.5% Held in Ether