Dollar-yen remained soft in the Tokyo market, falling to ¥158.03 in the evening. Euro-yen declined from the upper ¥177 range, while euro-dollar edged higher.
In the Tokyo market on the 20th, dollar-yen turned lower after trading around the mid-¥158 range, falling to ¥158.03 in the evening. Euro-yen fell from ¥177.91 to ¥177.42, while euro-dollar edged up from $1.1211 to $1.1235. The Nikkei 225 opened at ¥64,755.49, reached a high of ¥64,822.22 and a low of ¥63,807.15, and closed at ¥64,075.42, down ¥841.28 from the previous day.
Selling of the dollar continued, taking its cue from movements in Japan's long-term market, while trends in long-term U.S. interest rates and the decline in crude oil prices also had an impact. In monetary policy-related developments, China's one-year loan prime rate was 3.00%, unchanged from the previous rate. In remarks by key officials, BOJ sources suggested that the BOJ's policy rate was likely to remain unchanged, while remarks by the finance minister indicated that the Takaichi administration intends to respect the BOJ's independence. The UK ILO unemployment rate was 4.7%, down from the previous month.
Reports concerning remarks by the BOJ and fiscal authorities were circulated, clarifying the points of focus regarding the outlook for the dollar, interest rates and prices. The market is now watching future policy decisions and developments in financial markets.