Yen Strengthens Past 152 as BOJ Signals Possible 2025 Rate Hike

The yen strengthened past 152 per dollar, an eight-week high after BOJ board member Naoki Tamura suggested raising rates to 1% in late 2025. Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato warned of rising inflation, while strong wage data reinforced expectations of continued BOJ tightening. Real wages rose for a second month in December, with nominal wage growth hitting a 30-year high due to winter bonuses. The BOJ, which raised rates in January, remains open to further hikes. A weaker US dollar and lower Treasury yields, driven by mixed US data and easing trade war fears, also supported the yen.

The key resistance level appears to be 153.85, with a break above it potentially targeting 154.90 and 156.00. On the downside, 151.90 is the first major support, followed by 151.25 and 149.20 if the price moves lower.