- EUR/JPY gains ground near 167.20 amid the weaker JPY on Friday.
- The BoJ kept interest rates steady around zero on Friday.
- ECB’s Nagel said he would be in favor of a rate cut in June.
The EUR/JPY cross drifts higher to 167.20, its highest level since 2008, during the Asian trading hours on Friday. The uptick of the cross is supported by the weaker Japanese Yen (JPY) after the Bank of Japan (BoJ) announced its policy decision.
The Bank of Japan (BoJ) board members decided to leave the key interest rate unchanged at 0% at its April policy meeting on Friday, as widely expected. The Japanese central bank hiked rates for the first time since 2007 in its March meeting, ending Japan’s negative interest rate era that began in 2016.
Furthermore, the BoJ provided new forecasts predicting that inflation would remain close to its 2% target over the next three years, indicating that it is prepared to raise borrowing rates later this year. The central bank added it would continue to purchase government bonds in accordance with guidance decided in March to acquire around 6 trillion yen ($38.45 billion) per month. Following the meeting, the Japanese Yen (JPY) attracts some sellers against the Euro (EUR).
The recent consumer inflation in Tokyo declined sharply in April. The Statistics Bureau of Japan reported on Friday that the headline Tokyo Consumer Price Index (CPI) for April rose 1.8% YoY, compared to the previous reading of a 2.6% rise. Meanwhile, the Tokyo CPI ex Fresh Food, Energy increased 1.8% YoY versus 2.7% expected and the previous reading of 2.9% rise. The softer inflation in Tokyo also weighs on the safe-haven JPY.
On the Euro front, European Central Bank (ECB) policymaker Joachim Nagel said on Wednesday that he would be in favor of a rate cut in June, adding that such a step would not necessarily be followed by a series of rate cuts. The ECB’s Fabio Panetta said small interest rate cuts will stem the risk of prolonged economic stagnation in the euro area.
Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page.
If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet.
FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted.
The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice.
Recommended content
Editors’ Picks
EUR/USD rises toward 1.0800 on USD weakness
EUR/USD trades in positive territory above 1.0750 in the second half of the day on Monday. The US Dollar struggles to find demand as investors reassess the Fed's rate outlook following Friday's disappointing labor market data.
GBP/USD closes in on 1.2600 as risk mood improves
Following Friday's volatile action, GBP/USD pushes higher toward 1.2600 on Monday. Soft April jobs report from the US and the improvement seen in risk mood make it difficult for the US Dollar to gather strength.
Gold gathers bullish momentum, climbs above $2,320
Gold trades decisively higher on the day above $2,320 in the American session. Retreating US Treasury bond yields after weaker-than-expected US employment data and escalating geopolitical tensions help XAU/USD stretch higher.
Addressing the crypto investor dilemma: To invest or not? Premium
Bitcoin price trades around $63,000 with no directional bias. The consolidation has pushed crypto investors into a state of uncertainty. Investors can expect a bullish directional bias above $70,000 and a bearish one below $50,000.
Three fundamentals for the week: Two central bank decisions and one sensitive US Premium
The Reserve Bank of Australia is set to strike a more hawkish tone, reversing its dovish shift. Policymakers at the Bank of England may open the door to a rate cut in June.