- USD/JPY meets with a fresh supply on Wednesday amid broad-based USD weakness.
- Bets for smaller Fed rate hikes, softer US bond yields weigh heavily on the Greenback.
- Recession fears benefit the safe-haven JPY and also contribute to the intraday decline.
The USD/JPY pair comes under some selling pressure on Tuesday and reverses a major part of the previous day's positive move, snapping a two-day winning streak. Spot prices remain on the defensive through the early European session and slip below the 130.00 psychological mark in the last hour. The US Dollar vs Yen has also reversed lower after touching a major channel line and although momentum to the downside is still relatively weak it's possible this may be the start of the next leg lower in the downtrend.
The US Dollar struggles to capitalize on the overnight gains and meets with a fresh supply, which, in turn, is seen dragging the USD/JPY pair lower. The markets now seem convinced that the Federal Reserve will soften its hawkish stance amid signs of easing inflationary pressures and have been pricing in a smaller 25 bps rate hike in February. This keeps a lid on the recent recovery in the US Treasury bond yields and continues to act as a headwind for the Greenback.
The Japanese Yen (JPY), on the other hand, draws support from fresh speculation that high inflation may invite a more hawkish stance from the Bank of Japan (BoJ) later this year. The bets were lifted after the latest CPI report from Japan showed that consumer inflation rose to a 41-year high level of 4% in December. Apart from this, the cautious mood - amid worries about a deeper global economic downturn - benefits the safe-haven JPY and exerts pressure on the USD/JPY pair.
The downside, meanwhile, seems cushioned, at least for the time being, as traders might prefer to move to the sidelines ahead of the highly-anticipated FOMC meeting next week. In the meantime, traders will take cues from the US economic docket - featuring the release of the flash PMI prints and the Richmond Manufacturing Index.
The overall trend remains definitely bearish favoring short positions, however, the lack of impetus in the current pullback is worrying - it would be nice to see some stronger follow-through lower. A break below the January 23 lows (the last higher low) at circa 129.05, for example, would give the required green light to shorts, providing more confirmation the next leg down in the medium-term bear market for USD/JPY is underway.
Technical levels to watch
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 drops below 1.0800 after German Retail Sales data
EUR/USD has come under fresh selling pressure and trades below 1.0800 after the data from Germany showed that Retail Sales declined by 1.9% MoM in February. Resurgent US Dollar demand is adding to the downside in the pair. US data are next in focus.
GBP/USD stays weak near 1.2600 amid market caution
GBP/USD remains defensive near 1.2600 in European trading on Thursday. The hawkish tone from Fed Governor Christopher Waller keeps the US Dollar afloat amid a cautious trading environment ahead of key US data releases and the Good Friday trading lull.
Gold price bulls keenly await US PCE Price Index on Friday before placing fresh bets
Gold price (XAU/USD) continues with its struggle to make it through the $2,200 mark on Thursday and oscillates in a narrow trading band through the early part of the European session.
XRP price falls to $0.60 support as Ripple ruling doesn’t help Coinbase lawsuit against SEC
XRP programmatic sales ruling by Judge Torres was completely rejected by another US Court that ruled in favor of the SEC in a lawsuit against Coinbase.
The other terminal rate: How far will policy rates be cut?
Recent communication by the Federal Reserve and the ECB has made it clear that the first cut in official interest rates is coming. Both central banks are saying the same but the ECB communication is more opaque than that of the Fed.