Chart of the day: USD/JPY under pressure from BoJ and Japanese policy (January 16, 2026)

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The USD/JPY pair is currently trading around 158.111 yen per dollar. The market is under volatility pressure, driven mainly by expectations regarding the Bank of Japan's policy, the risk of potential currency intervention, and political uncertainty in Japan.

Source: xStation5

What is shaping the USD/JPY rate today?

1. Bank of Japan Policy (BoJ)

The market is reacting to expectations of future interest rate hikes in Japan. Recent signals indicate that the BoJ could accelerate the pace of rate increases as early as April, supporting yen strength, as higher rates make the currency more attractive to investors and reduce downward pressure on USD/JPY.

2. Risk of Currency Intervention

The Japanese Finance Minister emphasized that all options are being considered, including a potential joint intervention with the United States to curb excessive yen weakness. The mere prospect of currency intervention triggers an immediate market reaction, as investors hedge positions and the yen gains in value in the short term.

3. Sanae Takaichi's Policy

The Prime Minister plans to dissolve the parliament after January 23 and hold early elections to push through an expansionary fiscal policy. This move may weaken the yen in the long term while simultaneously increasing market uncertainty.

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Chart of the day: USD/JPY under pressure from BoJ and Japanese policy (January 16, 2026)

What is shaping the USD/JPY rate today?

1. Bank of Japan Policy (BoJ)

2. Risk of Currency Intervention

3. Sanae Takaichi's Policy

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