|

JPY softens ahead of BoJ policy decision – Scotiabank

The Japanese Yen (JPY) is slightly weaker versus the US Dollar (USD), underperforming most G10 currencies, as markets await next week’s BoJ meeting where a 25bps rate hike is widely expected. Policymakers signal the potential for further tightening in 2026, keeping USD/JPY range-bound between 154 and 157, Scotiabank's Chief FX Strategists Shaun Osborne and Eric Theoret report.

USD/JPY stays range-bound amid hawkish BoJ signals

"The yen is entering Friday’s NA session with a 0.2% decline vs. the USD and underperformance against all of the G10 currencies with the exception of the Skandies SEK and NOK."

"Reports of a constructive, hawkish shift at the BoJ have failed to deliver strength—so far—with media suggesting that policymakers are expecting an extension of the tightening cycle beyond 0.75%. Next week’s BoJ policy decision is widely expected to deliver a 25bpt hike, to 0.75%, and policymakers appear to be paving the way for further tightening in 2026."

"We are neutral USD/JPY awaiting a break of the recent range bound between the mid-154 and upper-157 areas."

Author

FXStreet Insights Team

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.

More from FXStreet Insights Team
Share:

Markets move fast. We move first.

Orange Juice Newsletter brings you expert driven insights - not headlines. Every day on your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to our Terms and conditions.

Editor's Picks

EUR/USD struggles for direction amid USD gains

EUR/USD is trimming part of its earlier gains, coming under some mild downside pressure near 1.1730 as the US Dollar edges higher. Markets are still digesting the Fed’s latest rate decision, while also looking ahead to more commentary from Fed officials in the sessions ahead.

GBP/USD drops to daily lows near 1.3360

Disappointing UK data weighed on the Sterling towards the end of the week, triggering a pullback in GBP/USD to fresh daily lows near 1.3360. Looking ahead, the next key event across the Channel is the BoE meeting on December 18.

Gold losses momentum, challenges $4,300

Gold now gives away some gains and disputes the key $4,300 zone per troy ounce following earlier multi-week highs. The move is being driven by expectations that the Fed will deliver further rate cuts next year, with the yellow metal climbing despite a firmer Greenback and rising US Treasury yields across the board.

Litecoin Price Forecast: LTC struggles to extend gains, bullish bets at risk

Litecoin (LTC) price steadies above $80 at press time on Friday, following a reversal from the $87 resistance level on Wednesday. Derivatives data suggests a bullish positional buildup while the LTC futures Open Interest declines, flashing a long squeeze risk.

Big week ends with big doubts

The S&P 500 continued to push higher yesterday as the US 2-year yield wavered around the 3.50% mark following a Federal Reserve (Fed) rate cut earlier this week that was ultimately perceived as not that hawkish after all. The cut is especially boosting the non-tech pockets of the market.

Aave Price Forecast: AAVE primed for breakout as bullish signals strengthen

Aave (AAVE) price is trading above $204 at the time of writing on Friday and approaching the upper boundary of its descending parallel channel; a breakout from this structure would favor the bulls.