Currency Markets in Flux: Yen Rallies Amid Intervention Speculation

Global shares stabilized on Friday as investors closely monitored currency fluctuations after the yen surged against the dollar. Late Thursday, Japanese authorities reportedly intervened in the currency markets to prevent further devaluation of the yen.

The dollar temporarily plummeted 1% against the yen before stabilizing to a 0.1% drop. Currency traders are now speculating on further intervention as Japan seeks to bolster its currency against two-year lows. Market volatility persists as major European exchanges closed for holidays, leaving the FTSE 100 as one of the few open markets, which saw a 0.5% decrease.

In contrast, U.S. futures held steady, buoyed by optimistic earnings reports from major tech firms like Apple, contributing to record Wall Street highs. Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions influenced oil prices, with Brent crude rising to $111.3 a barrel amid the ongoing Strait of Hormuz crisis, underscoring currency market sensitivities.

(With inputs from agencies.)