On Friday the yen probed the 160 level, prompting strong warnings from Japanese
officials, while the dollar held steady ahead of key US employment data. Middle
East tensions supported safe-haven demand. ANZ Asia head of research said:
"Ahead of the US nonfarm payrolls report, markets are unlikely to over-test the
Bank of Japan." Despite intervention risk, investors have built the largest yen
short positions since July 2024.