floconverter Logo

Markets

Yen to the moon? Not so fast.

February 22, 2026

Yen to the moon? Not so fast.

Everyone on Twitter is betting on a massive Yen rally. They're convinced the Bank of Japan is finally going to cave and hike rates.

I don't see it.

The BoJ is the most cautious entity on the planet. They've been at zero or negative rates for decades. This isn't just a policy; it's an identity. Thinking they're going to pivot overnight just because the Fed is hawkish is a fantasy.

So the problem is expectation management. People want the 'big move' because it's exciting to trade.

Actually, scratch that. It's exciting to talk about, but it's expensive to be wrong about.

Here's the thing — the carry trade is still too profitable for the big players. As long as people can borrow Yen for nothing and park it in US Treasuries for 5%, the Yen is going to stay under pressure.

Wait — this matters. If you're waiting for a 'better rate' to plan your trip to Kyoto, you might be waiting for a train that isn't coming. I spent 11 minutes reviewing the latest BoJ minutes, and the language is as soft as ever.

Don't bet the farm on a Yen moonshot. Stay liquid. Stay patient. If you need the cash, take it at these levels. Chasing a pivot is a game for people with more money than sense.