The yen slid 1.3% to 156.77 per USD, its weakest since July, after the BOJ held rates steady. Governor Ueda's remarks about monitoring wage talks dimmed hopes of a January hike, pushing rate hike odds to 49%. Market doubts on BOJ’s resolve have fueled yen weakness, triggering speculation of verbal intervention from Japanese authorities. Currency strategists warn that yen vulnerability could deepen if the BOJ delays hikes beyond March. With U.S. rate cuts in motion and Japan holding firm, the yen faces more volatility, with a potential slide to 160/USD in sight. #Forex#BOJ #InterestRates #USDJPY