Defending the Yen: Can Governments Beat Currency Markets?

Defending the Yen: Can Governments Beat Currency Markets?

August 19, 2026 · 42 min · Episode 232

About this episode

The episode discusses the effectiveness of government interventions in currency markets, specifically focusing on the yen.

The Japanese and US governments just spent an estimated $80 billion propping up the yen — and within a fortnight, the market had pocketed half of it. We ask whether politicians can ever actually beat currency traders. And in the Dumb Question of the Week: Why can't the government just pick whatever exchange rate it likes? --- Thank you to Trading 212 for sponsoring this episode. Claim free fractional shares worth up to ‎£⁠100. Just create and verify a Trading 212 Invest or Stocks ISA account, make a minimum deposit of £1, and use the promo code "RAMIN" within 10 days of signing up, or use the following link: Sponsored Link. Terms apply - trading212.com/join/RAMIN When investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than invested. Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results. Pies & Autoinvest is an execution-only service. Not investment advice or portfolio management. Automatic investing refers to executing scheduled deposits. You are responsible for all investment and rebalancing decisions. Free shares can be fractional. 212 Cards are issued by Paynetics which provide all payment services. T212 provides customer support and user interface. Terms and fees…

People in this episode

Host: PensionCraft

Topics covered

Sponsors

Trading 212

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Japan, US, yen

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