Japan will release its forex intervention data today, Friday, 31 May 2024.
The Bank of Japan (on behalf of the Ministry of Finance) intervened on April 29 and May 2 to buy the yen, although there has been no official confirmation from Japanese authorities. Today's the day, though. The MoF releases figures on currency intervention at the end of each month.
- Due at 7pm local time (1000 GMT, 0600 US Eastern time)
- speculation on the amount of intervention centres around 9 trillion yen (US$57.11 billion) on those two dates
You can see the sharp drops in the wake of the intervention.
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If you are curious about the mechanics of intervention and why you should be watching the MoF instead of the BOj:
- The Ministry of Finance (MOF) in Japan is responsible for formulating foreign exchange policy in the country, while the Bank of Japan (BOJ) is responsible for executing such policies, particularly in terms of FX intervention.
- The MOF can decide to intervene in the FX market if it believes (in the current situation) the yen is too weak. Once the MOF decides to intervene, it gives instructions to the BOJ. The BOJ then conducts operations in the FX market by (in current circumstances) buying yen. The Foreign Exchange Fund Special Account (FEFSA), which falls under the jurisdiction of the MOF, is used for interventions. You will note that in the current situation, where the BOJ would buy yen, they will dip into USD reserves to fund the other side of the trade, buying USD (or other currencies if needed).
- The BOJ's operations are usually conducted through commercial banks that deal in the foreign exchange market. They may be spot transactions, or forward transactions that are set to occur at a future date. Note that while the MOF has the ultimate authority to decide when to intervene, it does so in close consultation with the BOJ. The BOJ provides expertise and advice on monetary and financial market conditions, which can influence the MOF's decision. This collaboration reflects the balance between the roles of the two entities: the MOF as the government's chief financial and economic advisor, and the BOJ as the country's central bank that maintains stability in the financial system.