Morningstar

Japan Finance Minister Continuing to Watch Yen Moves With 'Sense of Urgency'

Provided by Dow Jones

By Megumi Fujikawa 




  TOKYO--Japan Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama stepped up verbal warnings to yen speculators on Thursday, saying she is keeping a close watch on market moves during a day of high-stakes policy events. 



   "Given the impact of exchange-rate fluctuations on people's daily lives, we stand ready to take all possible measures under any circumstances," Katayama said at a news conference. 



  "I believe today is precisely such a day," she said. 



  The finance minister acknowledged the likelihood of heightened speculative activity in currency markets as the Bank of Japan concludes its policy-setting meeting. 



  The closely-watched rate decision coincides with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's meeting with President Trump in Washington D.C., and a backdrop of heightened uncertainty as the Middle East conflict shows no signs of de-escalating. 



  With the Japanese central bank widely expected to keep its policy rate at 0.75% later in the day, focus will be on any comments from BOJ Gov. Kazuo Ueda on the risks the economy faces from geopolitical tensions and the subsequent surge in oil prices. 





  Write to Megumi Fujikawa at megumi.fujikawa@wsj.com 





  (END) Dow Jones Newswires



  March 18, 2026 21:36 ET (01:36 GMT)


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