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Yen Sinks to Near-Record Lows as Markets Brace for Fed Decision

Wide rate gaps keep the currency vulnerable before fresh central-bank signals.

U.S. dollar, Euro, Yen and Pound banknotes are seen in this illustration taken May 4, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration
Yen and U.S. dollar banknotes are seen in this illustration taken March 19, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration

Overview

  • The yen trades near 156.7 per dollar after an overnight tumble and remains pinned close to a record low versus the euro.
  • The dollar is broadly steady, with the dollar index near 99.23, as investors await a Federal Reserve decision widely expected to deliver a 25-basis-point cut.
  • Analysts warn the post-meeting press conference could jolt markets, with BNY’s John Velis calling Chair Jerome Powell’s tone a potential wild card.
  • Pricing points to a 25-basis-point Bank of Japan hike next week, and traders are focused on Governor Kazuo Ueda’s guidance for the policy path.
  • State Street reports neutral positioning in dollar/yen alongside buying of euro/yen and Aussie/yen, while the Australian dollar holds near a three-month high after hawkish remarks from RBA Governor Michele Bullock.