Yen Weakens as Traders Parse Ueda Remarks

2026-09-18 07:16 By Jam Kaimo Samonte 1 min. read

The Japanese yen weakened past 157 per dollar on Friday, hitting two-week lows after the Bank of Japan raised interest rates in a widely telegraphed move, with two officials dissenting to the decision.

Traders also parsed Governor Ueda's post-meeting comments, saying the BOJ remains committed to raising rates and adjusting the extent of monetary accommodation based on evolving economic conditions.

However, Ueda added that easy monetary conditions are expected to be maintained to support economic growth.

The central bank lifted its policy rate by 25 bps to 1.25%, the highest since April 1995, as policymakers seek to curb persistent inflationary pressures.

The hike was opposed by board members Asada and Sato, highlighting some resistance to a quicker tightening cycle.

The yen also faced pressure from bets that Japan’s rate-tightening cycle could lag behind the Fed’s pace of increases, following the US central bank’s hawkish rate hike earlier this week.



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