Speculators Turn Net Long on Yen for First Time Since February

PUBLISHED Sep 13, 2026, 2:24 AM ET

Global currency speculators have flipped to a net long position on the Japanese yen for the first time since February, according to data released by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Figures covering the week ending September 8 showed net non-commercial positions reaching 10,796 long contracts, marking a sharp reversal from net short positions totaling 92,227 contracts recorded the prior week. The dramatic shift follows a sustained rally in the Japanese currency, which touched 152.89 per dollar on September 8, its strongest level since mid-February. Analysts attribute the momentum to growing market expectations that the Bank of Japan will accelerate its schedule of interest rate hikes and potential asset repatriation by domestic investors. The multi-month low for the yen occurred in July when it slid to a four-decade low of 163.99 per dollar, prompting joint currency intervention by Tokyo and Washington. Institutional traders have steadily pared down bearish bets amid tightening monetary policy differentials between global central banks.

By Neha R. | JQJO News

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 28
Right Leaning:: 3
Left Leaning:: 2
Neutral:: 23

Explain Framing

Left: Framed around global economic shifts and regulatory intervention impacts. Center: Focused strictly on numerical data changes from official reports. Right: Emphasized market freedom and currency stabilization through monetary policy.