USD/JPY to trade down to the YTD lows between 127-128 relatively quickly – MUFG

FXStreet Insights Team FXStreet

Economists at MUFG continue to see a lower USD/JPY as the most likely scenario.

JPY strength will be more than just about the Fed

“The scale of easing now priced for this year (Dec ’23 fed funds future at 4.10%) leaves the US dollar vulnerable and we are likely to see USD/JPY trading down to the YTD lows between 127-128 relatively quickly.”

“The monthly trade data in Japan for the month of February indicated the reversal of that negative terms of trade shock is well under way in Japan. The February import bill for fuel and minerals totalled JPY 2,577bn. The peak total for imports was back in August when natural gas prices peaked with the total import bill at JPY 3,423bn.”

“Understandably, the Fed and the drop in yields in the US is getting the attention as a key factor in pushing USD/JPY lower but the energy story will certainly add to positive JPY momentum this year.”

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.

Markets move fast. We move first.

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

Editor's Picks

EUR/USD drops to daily lows near 1.1630

EUR/USD now loses some traction and slips back to the area of daily lows around 1.1630 on the back of a mild bounce in the US Dollar. Fresh US data, including the September PCE inflation numbers and the latest read on December consumer sentiment, didn’t really move the needle, so the pair is still on course to finish the week with a respectable gain.

GBP/USD trims gains, recedes toward 1.3320

GBP/USD is struggling to keep its daily advance, coming under fresh pressure and retreating to the 1.3320 zone following a mild bullish attempt in the Greenback. Even though US consumer sentiment surprised to the upside, the US Dollar isn’t getting much love, as traders are far more interested in what the Fed will say next week.

Gold makes a U-turn, back to $4,200

Gold is now losing the grip and receding to the key $4,200 region per troy ounce following some signs of life in the Greenback and a marked bounce in US Treasury yields across the board. The positive outlook for the precious metal, however, remains underpinned by steady bets for extra easing by the Fed.