USD/JPY rises as BOJ signals steady rates; XAG/USD plunges sharply

USD/JPY advanced 0.2% to 157.85 as Bank of Japan Governor Ueda reiterated conditions for sustained wage-price cycles while maintaining a dovish stance. Markets now expect the BOJ to hold rates through March before potentially hiking to 1% or higher by September. The yen weakened further as BOJ officials signaled gradual policy normalization despite inflation concerns. Meanwhile, XAG/USD crashed 3.5% to $29.75, extending losses amid risk-off sentiment and dollar strength. The Bank of Korea's Governor Rhee warned about won weakness potentially lifting inflation, adding to Asian currency pressures. Technical indicators show USD/JPY facing resistance at 158.00 with support at 157.50. The combination of diverging central bank policies and commodity weakness suggests continued yen vulnerability and dollar dominance in the near term.