- USD/JPY is under pressure at the start of the week.
- Uncertainty and dollar weakness are the driving forces, concerning Japanese officials.
- USD/JPY breaks key support structure around 104 the figure.
USD/JPY is currently trading at 103.24, pressured in the open as US equities lead the way.
The pair has lost over 2% during the US elections as, either way, the yen was favoured whether it be a Blue wave or just a Blue ripple.
A Blue wave, or a Biden White House controlling both the House and Senate, would be expected to weigh heavily on the US dollar.
In such a scenario, the greenback would give up the majority of any safe haven qualities over to the yen as the preferred choice among investors.
A Blue ripple, or a Biden White House and a GOP Senate, would be expected to be more corporate-friendly and therefore supportive of the US stock market, thus, again, negative for the US dollar.
Considering the complexities of the incumbent president contesting the election, the spread of the coronavirus and ongoing geopolitical matters, some of the money is likely to be on the sidelines and parked, which is again, supportive of the yen.
Yen strength under scrutiny
Indeed, the Japanese yen has been getting a lot of attention throughout the US elections which are potentially distressing for the Japanese officials, especially Finance Minister, Taro Aso, who has said Japan will need to respond to currency market moves if results of the US presidential election cause a sudden spike in the yen.
Aso first made the remarks when asked about market speculation that the safe-haven currency could spike if Republican nominee Donald Trump won the presidential race due on Nov. 8.
“Stability in currencies is always important,” Aso told reporters after a cabinet meeting.
More recently, the markets heard from Yoshihide Suga, who repeated this message and also gratulated Democrat Joe Biden on his election as the next US president, expressing a desire to bolster bilateral ties.
The Japanese yen has been in free fall despite the notion that Biden would win the White House.
The problem for the yen is that the equity markets have rallied on the prospects of the GOP holding the Senate which is seen for corporations.
S&P 500 Weekly Forecast: Stocks focussed on the battle for the Senate
USD/JPY levels
The yen has taken the US dollar to below the 104 level which was a critical support area.
It can be expected to test this area as resistance from where bulls may seek to load-up again at a discount towards a run to test the 2020 lows of 101.18.
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 bounces back, trades above 1.0860

EUR/USD bounced from a fresh weekly low of 1.0827, as the US Dollar lost steam following a weak ISM Manufacturing PMI report and words from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Powell reiterated its hawkish message, dismissing potential rate cuts in the near future.
GBP/USD turns north ahead of the weekly close, approaches 1.2700

GBP/USD extended its rebound from near 1.2600 and is approaching 1.2700 on the back of a weaker US Dollar. The Greenback accelerated to the downside following comments from Fed’s Powell.
Gold resumes advance and approaches record highs

Gold remains near record highs and achieved its highest monthly close ever in November. Global bond yields continue to decline as inflation further cools, supporting the upside in XAU/USD. With central banks expected to remain on hold, the focus will be US labor market data.
Solana likely to extend gains as DeFi airdrop season could boost user base

Solana ecosystem will see airdrops from projects like Jupiter, Marginfi, Drift, Zeta and Jito. Solana users are projected to increase between 30% and 80% from native token launches, according to Messari’s latest report. SOL price extends rally, yielding nearly 4% daily gains.
Tesla Stock News: Cybertruck excitement fails to sustain TSLA price as chart signals more downside

TSLA stock sinks three days in a row despite Cybertruck unveiling. Analysts conclude that Cybertruck will find it difficult to turn a profit. TSLA stock is the midst of forming a bearish Three Black Crows pattern on the daily chart.