The Japanese yen remains under pressure as the country’s central bank maintains its ultra-loose monetary policy, keeping interest rates near zero. This stance contrasts sharply with other major economies, where central banks have been aggressively raising interest rates to combat inflation.
The low interest rate environment in Japan makes the yen less appealing to investors seeking higher returns. Consequently, capital flows tend to move away from the yen and towards currencies offering better yields, contributing to the yen’s depreciation.
Analysts suggest that the yen’s weakness could persist as long as the Bank of Japan maintains its current monetary policy. Any shift in policy, such as raising interest rates, could provide support for the yen. However, the central bank has so far resisted calls for a change, citing concerns about the fragility of the Japanese economy.
The impact of a weaker yen is mixed. While it can benefit exporters by making their products more competitive, it also raises the cost of imports, potentially fueling inflation. The government is closely monitoring the situation and has indicated that it is prepared to take action if necessary to stabilize the currency.