The Japanese yen experienced a significant decline, reaching its lowest level versus the euro since 2008 and nearing a four-month low of 151 per dollar, following the Bank of Japan's (BOJ) decision to end its negative interest rate policy, a move widely anticipated by markets. This policy shift, marking the first rate hike in 17 years, led to a mixed reaction in Asian markets, with Japanese stocks rising. Despite the rate hike, speculation that the BOJ will maintain an accommodative monetary policy stance contributed to the yen's weakness. The dollar strengthened against the yen, surpassing the 150 yen mark and achieving a near four-month high, with the Dollar/Yen pair up 0.38% at 151.44. The yen's decline was further exacerbated by expectations of continued loose monetary policy from the BOJ, despite the end of negative rates, with the yen down 1%.