Yen Weakens as Dollar, Oil Rebound

2026-04-09 02:14 By Jam Kaimo Samonte 1 min. read

The Japanese yen slipped toward 159 per dollar on Thursday, giving back some of the previous session’s gains as the dollar and oil recovered amid ongoing uncertainty over the US-Iran ceasefire.

A senior Iranian official stated that elements of the ceasefire proposal had already been breached following fresh Israeli strikes on Lebanon, while Tehran continued to largely block the Strait of Hormuz.

On Wednesday, the yen had rallied as much as 1% after the ceasefire announcement, reflecting Japan’s sensitivity to Middle East oil supply shocks.

Meanwhile, a former Bank of Japan official suggested the central bank is likely to raise its policy rate this month to avoid falling behind in controlling inflation.

Markets are now closely watching for any signals from BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda ahead of the April 28 policy announcement, similar to the guidance he provided in December before the last rate increase.



News Stream
Yen Weakens as Dollar, Oil Rebound
The Japanese yen slipped toward 159 per dollar on Thursday, giving back some of the previous session’s gains as the dollar and oil recovered amid ongoing uncertainty over the US-Iran ceasefire. A senior Iranian official stated that elements of the ceasefire proposal had already been breached following fresh Israeli strikes on Lebanon, while Tehran continued to largely block the Strait of Hormuz. On Wednesday, the yen had rallied as much as 1% after the ceasefire announcement, reflecting Japan’s sensitivity to Middle East oil supply shocks. Meanwhile, a former Bank of Japan official suggested the central bank is likely to raise its policy rate this month to avoid falling behind in controlling inflation. Markets are now closely watching for any signals from BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda ahead of the April 28 policy announcement, similar to the guidance he provided in December before the last rate increase.
2026-04-09
Japanese Yen Gains on Mideast Ceasefire
The Japanese yen appreciated past 158.5 per dollar on Wednesday, rebounding sharply from the critical 160 level touched earlier this week after the US, Iran and Israel agreed to a two-week ceasefire to allow negotiations for a potential agreement to end the war. President Donald Trump delayed planned strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure for two weeks in what he called a “double-sided ceasefire,” while Iran agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and Israel agreed to halt hostilities during the period. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is seeking separate talks with US and Iranian leaders amid efforts to secure peace and Japan’s energy needs. The yen also found support from intervention fears, as Japanese authorities issued warnings against currency weakness, and from expectations of a near-term Bank of Japan rate hike.
2026-04-08
Japanese Yen Threads Intervention Levels
The Japanese yen weakened toward 160 per dollar on Tuesday, reaching levels last seen in July 2024 when Tokyo last intervened in currency markets. The yen remained under pressure from a strong US dollar and elevated oil prices amid the ongoing Middle East conflict, with President Donald Trump setting a Tuesday deadline for Iran to strike a deal or face attacks on civilian infrastructure. Tehran has rejected a US ceasefire proposal, demanding an end to hostilities in the region, lifting of sanctions, and other conditions. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said she plans talks with Iran’s leader and a separate call with Trump as part of efforts to pursue peace. On the monetary policy front, markets are pricing in a potential Bank of Japan rate hike this month amid rising inflationary pressures.
2026-04-07