Finance ministers from the G7 group of the world’s richest nations have agreed to step into currency markets in a bid to control volatility in Japan’s yen.

It is first time since 2000 that G7 countries have jointly intervened in currency markets.

Earlier this week, the yen hit its highest level since World War II against the US dollar, adding to fears over Japan’s recovery.

The yen weakened to 81.44 against the US dollar after news of the plan.

The nuclear crisis in Japan, coming soon after a huge earthquake and tsunami devastated the coastline, has hit financial markets around the world, with many worried about the impact on the global economy.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12781534