Katayama emphasizes authorities’ preparedness to act on currency fluctuations without specifying thresholds or timing.
Japan’s Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama stated Friday that authorities stand ready to respond to currency market movements as needed. The remarks underscore vigilance over the yen’s volatility amid recent depreciation trends against the dollar.
The yen has faced persistent pressure due to the Bank of Japan’s prolonged ultra-loose monetary policy, diverging from global peers. While the BoJ has occasionally intervened to stabilize the currency, political considerations often limit such actions. USD/JPY traded at 162.43, up 0.02% on the day.
Katayama avoided disclosing specific intervention levels but affirmed a willingness to take resolute steps if necessary. The yen’s trajectory remains tied to BoJ policy shifts and yield differentials with U.S. bonds.