Speculation about Bank of Japan intervention strengthens the Japanese Yen, making it the strongest G10 currency.

    by VT Markets
    /
    Jan 26, 2026
    The Japanese Yen currently stands as the strongest currency in the G10 group, driven by expectations of possible action from the Bank of Japan. Officials in Japan have indicated they are ready to respond to sudden currency changes. Currency traders have observed activity from both the Bank of Japan and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. These actions suggest that these institutions may intervene in the market soon.

    Market Movement Highlights

    In recent market activity, the EUR/USD pair has reached a nearly four-year high of 1.1920, up 0.36%, supported by a weaker US Dollar. Likewise, GBP/USD has climbed above 1.3650, boosted by strong data from the UK. Gold prices have soared past $5,000, driven by safe-haven buying amid worries about a potential US government shutdown and geopolitical issues. In the crypto market, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple have made slight recoveries following recent downturns, indicating possibilities for future stability or growth. The FXStreet Insights Team, a collection of journalists monitoring market trends, provided this information. It’s for informational purposes only and should not be seen as financial advice. Always do your research before making investment decisions, as the market poses significant risks, including the complete loss of capital. With the Bank of Japan hinting at possible intervention, we’re experiencing a noticeable rise in currency volatility. One-month implied volatility for USD/JPY options has surged to over 15%, a level not seen since early 2025’s market unrest. Traders might want to explore buying straddles or strangles to take advantage of potential price movements, whether or not intervention occurs.

    Historical Context and Market Implications

    We recall the large-scale interventions in late 2022 that involved trillions of yen, leading to rapid currency movements. This is why the recent drop in USD/JPY from over 140 to about 132 has raised concerns about another similar event. Any official intervention could trigger a 300-pip shift in just one session. The wider market shows a consistently weak US Dollar, which further fuels activity in major currency pairs. The Dollar Index (DXY) recently dipped below the crucial support level of 98.00, continuing a downward trend that began in the last quarter of 2025. This scenario makes call options on EUR/USD and GBP/USD particularly appealing, as both pairs are nearing multi-year highs. Gold’s rise above $5,100 reflects these currency tensions and broader economic uncertainties. Open interest in Gold futures has increased by 12% this month, indicating that investors are betting on ongoing instability. Therefore, using call options to keep exposure to Gold while managing risk seems like a wise approach in the upcoming weeks. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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