Japanese Yen: Intervention risk offsets trade pressure – MUFG

FXStreet Insights Team FXStreet

MUFG’s Lee Hardman notes the Japanese Yen (JPY) is trading in a narrow USD/JPY range above 158.00, with intervention risk and a softer US Dollar (USD) capping upside. Bank of Japan (BoJ) officials see underlying inflation near target, with markets pricing a December hike. Rising domestic yields are boosting JGB demand, though a wider trade deficit from higher Oil prices remains a headwind for Yen performance.

Range-bound USD/JPY with trade headwinds

"The yen has continued to trade in narrow range against the US dollar at just above the 158.00-level."

"The heightened risk of further intervention to support the yen is helping to prevent USD/JPY from moving higher in the near-term alongside the recent correction lower for the US dollar more broadly."

"There was no clear signal that the BoJ is considering raising rates again as soon as this month which is consistent with our view that the next hike will be delivered in December."

"Bloomberg reported evidence yesterday that rising yields in Japan are helping to attract more domestic demand for government bonds."

"The wider trade deficit for Japan due to the negative terms of trade shock from higher energy prices remains a headwind for yen performance."

(This article was created with the help of an Artificial Intelligence tool and reviewed by an editor. Know more.)

Author

FXStreet Insights Team

FXStreet

The FXStreet Insights Team is a group of journalists that handpicks selected market observations published by renowned experts. The content includes notes by commercial as well as additional insights by internal and external analysts.

AUD/USD sits at three-week highs above 0.7000 on hawkish RBA-speak

AUD/USD holds a positive bias for the fourth straight day, trading above 0.7000 in the Asian session on Wednesday and at three-week highs. RBA Deputy Governor Andrew Hauser's hawkish remarks and inflation concerns underpin the pair. However, the upside appears capped as the US Dollar attracts some buyers amid looming US-Iran uncertainty.

USD/JPY remains confined in a familiar range below 158.50

USD/JPY sees some dip-buying in the Asian session on Wednesday, though it remains confined within a multi-week range near 158.50 as the uncertainty over the timing of the next BoJ rate hike keeps Japanese Yen bulls on the defensive. Meanwhile, hawkish Fed expectations, bolstered by inflation risks stemming from volatile oil prices, underpin the US Dollar. However, looming intervention fears could limit JPY losses and cap the currency pair.

Gold bounces off weekly low; Fed hike bets and modest USD recovery keep upside limited

Gold recovers slightly from the weekly low, around the $4,100 neighborhood, though the upside potential seems limited amid a bearish fundamental backdrop. Inflation risks stemming from volatile oil prices underpin prospects for further policy tightening by the US Federal Reserve. Furthermore, a modest US Dollar recovery from a near three-week low could contribute to capping bullion.

Zcash's bullish reversal eyes $1,698 peak on NU7 upgrade

Zcash (ZEC) shows signs of bullish recovery above $1,200 on Wednesday, following a 9% rebound the previous day linked to the upcoming NU7 upgrade. Blockworks released a Zcash holders report on Tuesday, highlighting steady network growth. The technical outlook for ZEC is bullish, with bulls eyeing an extended rally toward $1,698.

US – Midterm update: Pre-election tail risk scenarios

With two weeks until the US midterm elections on 3 November, early voting has already opened in more than 40 states. Prediction markets are broadly unchanged since we published our Midterm update, 13 October. The prediction market Polymarket continues to see Democrats winning both chambers as the most likely outcome, with a 62.5% probability.

The US Dollar fell. Gold didn't rally. That tells you everything

Gold (XAU/USD) is struggling to capitalize on a weaker US Dollar (USD), after repeatedly failing to establish itself above the $4,200 level. The precious metal remains confined to a relatively narrow trading range despite a combination of developments that would normally support higher prices.