EUR/JPY Price Analysis: Downside looks favored on Inverted Flag formation

The EUR/JPY pair dropped after facing barricades around 141.00 in the early Asian session. The pullback move in the cross seems to lack strength, which could result in a resumption in the downside move. EUR/JPY is following the footprints of weaker EUR/USD, amid the risk aversion theme.

For further guidance, investors will keep an eye on the preliminary German inflation data. The annual Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) (Jan) is expected to strengthen further to 10.0% from the prior release of 9.6%. The double-digit inflation figure might add to troubles for the European Central Bank (ECB), which has already pushed interest rates to 2.50%, and more interest rate hikes are in pipeline, according to the commentary from ECB policymaker Klass Knot.

EUR/JPY is auctioning an Inverted Flag chart pattern on an hourly chart, which indicates a sheer consolidation that is followed by a breakdown. Usually, the consolidation phase of the chart pattern serves as an inventory adjustment in which those participants initiate shorts, which prefer to enter an auction after the establishment of a bearish bias.

A death cross, represented by the 50-and 200-period Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs) at 141.32, adds to the downside filters.

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) (14) has entered into the 40.00-60.0 range from the bearish range of 20.00-40.00. However, the strength is missing in the recovery move, which could delight sellers with a pullback selling opportunity.

Should the cross breaks below February 7 low around 140.30, Japanese Yen bulls will drag the asset toward January 17 high at 139.62 followed by the horizontal support plotted from January 13 low around 138.00.

Alternatively, the cross needs to surpass January 25 high at 142.29 for an upside move, which will drive the asset toward January 11 high at 142.61 followed by October 24 low at 143.72.

EUR/JPY hourly chart