Quote from MrAngry:
The CBKs could still conceivably intervene. The last time they did in concert was in 2000 to buy euros. The BoJ is perhaps the last of the active inteventionists, but it has been very quiet.
Certain CBKs do use the 'toys', such as EBS and Reuters. When they do, the name is given up. FX is still mainly bilateral and OTC. The BoE, at least until recently, did not trade electronically.
In th eold days, rumours were invariably spread that Buba, the Fed or BoJ were in. At times of stress, they only had to ask for a quote for it to have an impact. The market is far bigger now.
That day in 2000 was a bit lively.
Do you remember the ECB had tipped the nod to the euro banks in the morning so euro dollar was bid to old boots all morning. The Old Lady then rang a UK clearer and asked to buy eurodollar but then said in effect- sorry, ignore that, not intervening yet! -and then intervened a few minutes later.
My P/L swings that day were frightening.