Key Takeaways:
- 💹 Yen weakened against the dollar, attributed to suspected intervention by Japanese authorities
- 🏦 Dollar already on backfoot as Fed Chair confirms central bank’s easing bias
- 🛑 Suspected Japanese intervention to signal 160 yen per dollar as line in the sand
- 📈 Fed refrained from increasing hawkishness, signalling longer wait for rate hikes
- 💰 Australian dollar rose, New Zealand dollar remained flat
- 🕰️ The sudden surge in the yen came during a quiet market period after the U.S. Federal Reserve policy meeting
- 🌐 The dollar index, measuring the currency against major peers, was little changed at 105.70
- 💼 The Fed held rates steady and Powell stressed a cautious approach to rate hikes
- 🇦🇺 The Australian dollar rose 0.23% to $0.6538
- 💴 Yen weakened against the dollar due to suspected intervention by Japanese authorities
- 📉 Dollar was already declining due to Fed Chair Powell confirming easing bias
- 💰 Dollar remains strong against the yen this year, sparking concerns on timing of Fed rate cut
Yen Weakens Against Dollar Amid Suspected Intervention
The yen experienced a weakening trend against the dollar, with suspected intervention by Japanese authorities being a contributing factor. This intervention was seen as a signal of 160 yen per dollar as a crucial threshold.
Dollar’s Position Affected by Fed Chair’s Comments
The dollar was already facing pressure as the Federal Reserve Chair confirmed the central bank’s bias towards easing. This news had the dollar on the backfoot, prompting questions about the timing of rate hikes.
Market Reactions Post-Fed Meeting
Following the Federal Reserve policy meeting, the dollar remained strong against the yen this year, causing concerns among investors. Fed refrained from a more hawkish stance, indicating a longer wait for potential rate hikes.
Australian Dollar’s Performance
In contrast to the yen, the Australian dollar saw a rise, while the New Zealand dollar remained relatively stable. This divergence in performance between the two Australasian currencies showcased different market dynamics at play.