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Yen Slips to 156.19 as BOJ Rate Hike Looms

By Markets Desk · 2026-09-18 · Updated 2026-09-18 02:17 UTC
A traditional Japanese paper coin resting on a wooden desk surface
Illustration: Tradingbird

With the BOJ rate hike now viewed as a near-certainty, focus has shifted to Governor Ueda's messaging, with analysts warning that a lack of hawkish guidance could drive the yen down to ¥159. While some institutions remain bearish on the currency in the short term, others maintain a bullish long-term outlook, predicting a potential move toward ¥120–130 over the medium term.

  • New analysis from GN markets/fx (en-US) suggests the yen could slide to ¥159 in the near term, as Wall Street firms like Citigroup warn that the market has fully priced in the expected BOJ hike. Strategists caution that unless Governor Ueda delivers a strongly hawkish signal regarding future tightening, disappointment-driven selling may push USD/JPY higher.

    Source: biggo.com

  • The yen weakened against the dollar and euro ahead of the Bank of Japan's decision. Markets price an 83% chance of a rate hike to a 34-year high.

    Source: Yahoo Finance
Based on reporting by Yahoo Finance and biggo.com, compiled by the Tradingbird desk.

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