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Japan's GDP revised downwards, yen swingsThe Japanese yen is showing movement in both directions today.  In the North American session, USD/JPY is trading at 147.37, down 0.03% on the day. Japan's GDP expanded 2.2% y/y in the fourth quarter of 2024, lower than the initial estimate of 2.8%. The revision was expected to stay largely unchanged but was pushed lower due to a decrease in inventories and consumption. The GDP downward revision follows other soft data which points to weakness in Japan's economy.  Household spending slumped 4.5% m/m in January.  This was a sharp reversal from the 2.3% gain in December and missed the  estimate of -1.9%.  Annualized, household spending rose 0.8%, below the 2.7% in December and the market estimate of 3.6%.  On Monday, the wage growth report indicated that real wages declined by 1.8% in January, after two months of growth. How will the Bank of Japan react to the string of weak data? The annual wage negotiations are close to the end and the BoJ has urged companies and workers to reach a deal that significantly raises wages.  This would boost growth and consumption and help keep inflation sustainable at the BoJ's 2% target. The unions are asking for an average wage hike of 6%, up from 5.85% last year and the highest in more than 20 years.  Last year's wage agreement led to the BoJ raising rates for the first time since 2007 and this year's wage deal could pave the way for another rate hike.  The BoJ holds its next meeting on Mar. 19, five days after the wage settlement will be announced.  The BoJ isn't expected to make a move next week but investors are circling April or May as potential rate-hike meetings. There is resistance at 147.30 and 147.97 146.59 and 145.92 are the next support levels
by OANDA
Surging yen hits 5-month high, wage data mixedThe Japanese yen has started the week with strong gains.  In the European session, USD/JPY is trading at 147.07, down 0.766 on the day. Earlier, the yen strengthened to 146.72, its best level since Oct. 4, 2024. Japan's wage data for January was mixed. Base pay for Japanese workers jumped by 3.1% y/y but more importantly, inflation-adjusted real wages declined by 1.8%. This follows two consecutive months of gains and signals that inflation has outpaced growth. The wage report was released just days before the end of annual wage negotiations at Japan's largest companies. The largest labor union in Japan is demanding large wage hike of 6% and the Bank of Japan wants to see a strong rise in wages in order to keep inflation sustainable at the 2% level. The BoJ has urged companies and workers to reach a deal that significantly raises wages. The central back meets next week and is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged. Still, the Bank has signaled it plans to continue raising rates during the year. In the US, nonfarm payrolls rose to 151 thousand in February, up from a downwardly revised 125 thousand in January but shy of the market estimate of 160 thousand.  The unemployment rate rose to 4.1% from 4%.  Wage growth eased to 0.3% m/m from a revised 0.4% in January, in line with expectations. Annualized, wages ticked higher to 4%, up from a revised 3.9% in January but below the market estimate of 4.1%. The employment report was decent but the threat of US tariffs continues to cloud the economic outlook. If trade tensions escalate, the Federal Reserve may have to adjust its rate path, depending on how tariffs affect inflation and growth. USD/JPY has pushed below support at 147.26 and is testing support t 147.26. Next is support at 1.46.48 148.51 and 148.98 are the next resistance lines
by OANDA
Japanese yen declines as Tokyo Core CPI easesThe Japanese yen has extended its losses on Friday.  In the European session, USD/JPY is trading at 150.39, up 0.40% on the day. After a string of releases that pointed to an upswing in inflation, Tokyo core CPI for February reversed the trend on Friday.  Japan's CPI, PPI and the Bank of Japan Core CPI all accelerated in the most recent releases but Tokyo Core CPI surprised to the downside, with a gain of 2.2% y/y.  This was down from 2.5% in January and below the market estimate of 2.3%. The soft Tokyo Core CPI reading is unlikely to raise many eyebrows at the Bank of Japan. The index remained above the BoJ's 2% target for a fourth consecutive month and Bank policymakers are expected to remain hawkish about monetary policy.  The BoJ raised rates in January and also revised its inflation forecasts upwards, a signal that further rate hikes are on the table. The markets are expecting the BoJ to continue tightening and this has been resulted in higher yields for Japanese government bonds, which hit a 15-year high earlier this month. Governor Kazuo Ueda responded to the sharp rise in bond yields with a warning that the central bank stood ready to intervene in the bond markets. Ueda's threat appears to have worked as bond yields have retreated slightly. The US wraps up the week with core PCE inflation, the Fed's peferred inflation gauge. The market estimates for January stand at 2.6% y/y (vs. 2.8% in December) and 0.2% m/m (vs. 0.3% in December). This would still be above the Federal Reserve's target of 2%. The Fed is not expected to lower rates before May, barring an unexpected surprise from inflation or employment data. USD/JPY tested resistance at 150.39 earlier.  Above, there is resistance at 150.98 There is support at 149.57 and 148.98
by OANDA
BoJ Core CPI climbs to 2.2%, yen declinesThe Japanese yen is slightly lower on Wednesday.  In the North American session, USD/JPY is trading at 149.25, up 0.16% on the day. What is the best performing G-10 currency against the US dollar this year?  Surprisingly, the Japanese yen is the winner, with gains of about 5% against the greenback.  This is a remarkable turnaround from 2024, when the yen plunged 11.4% against the US dollar and sank to its lowest level in 38 years. The yen's newfound strength is largely due to expectations that the Bank of Japan will continue to raise interest rates this year, unlike the other major central banks that have been lowering rates.  The BoJ has been raising rates slowly but with inflation indicators moving upwards, even the cagey BOJ has signaled that it will continue to raise rates. Japan's CPI hit 3.2% in January, a 19-month high, and this week's January inflation numbers are also pointing upward.  The producer price index jumped to 3.1%, up from 2.9% in December.  BoJ Core CPI climbed to 2.2% in January, up from 1.9% in December and its third consecutive acceleration.  Next up is Tokyo Core CPI on Friday. In the US, consumer confidence shocked with an unexpectedly weak report.  The Conference Board consumer confidence index slipped to 98.3 in January, well below the revised December reading of 105.3 and shy of the market estimate of 102.5.  The seven-point drop was the sharpest month-to-month decline since August 2021.  The report found that more consumers are expecting a recession.  Retail sales fell 0.9% m/m in December, the biggest decline in a year.  If consumer data continues to deteriorate, the Federal Reserve will have to consider accelerating the pace of rate cuts. USD/JPY is testing resistance at 149.30.  Above, there is resistance at 150.03 There is support at 148.30 and 147.57
by OANDA
Dollar weakens amid growing economic uncertainty Persistent tariff threats from the Trump administration and rising concerns over the U.S. economy are weighing on the dollar. Trump reaffirmed his commitment to implementing tariffs on Mexico and Canada according to schedule and reiterated the need for reciprocal tariffs. Meanwhile, weak consumer confidence data further rattled investor sentiment, as the February CB Consumer Confidence Index plunged to 98.3 from 105.3, marking its lowest level since June last year. In Japan, accelerating inflation increases the likelihood of a BoJ rate hike. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Japan’s January CPI rose 3.2%, the largest increase since June 2023. Bloomberg noted that with Japan's inflation among the highest in the G7, the BoJ may continue scaling back stimulus and shifting toward a more restrictive policy stance. After breaking below the ascending trendline, USDJPY shows a persistent downtrend. After EMA21 death-crossed EMA78, it widens the gap and reinforces the bearish momentum. If USDJPY breaks below the support at 148.20, the price could extend its decline toward 145.00. Conversely, if USDJPY tests the resistance at 150.80, it may gain upward momentum toward 153.40.
by inkicho_exness
Why Morgan Stanley and MUFG back JPY? Morgan Stanley and MUFG both see the Japanese yen as the strongest G10 currency in 2025. They expect it to gain value as U.S. interest rates fall and Japan’s central bank raises its own. On the daily chart, USD/JPY oscillators are still away from being in the oversold zone, suggesting that the path of least resistance could to the downside. MUFG predicts further yen gains, especially against the euro, and has set a target of 150 for EUR/JPY, down from 157. Morgan Stanley also favors the Australian dollar. Meanwhile they believe the New Zealand dollar will appreciate but underperform the Australian dollar due to a weaker domestic outlook.
by BlackBull_Markets
Yen eyes US payrolls, Japan household spending jumpsThe Japanese yen is in negative territory on Friday.  This follows a two-day rally which saw the  yen jump  1.9% and hit a three-month high.  In the European session, USD/JPY is trading at 151.94, up 0.39% on the day.  On the data front, Japan's household spending was much stronger than expected and the US releases nonfarm payrolls. Japan's household spending has been struggling as inflation remains relatively high.  This made the December report a pleasant surprise, as household spending was much higher than expected.  Annually, household spending climbed 2.7%, crushing the market estimate of 0.2% and rebounding from -0.4% in November.  The monthly gain of 2.3% followed the November reading of 0.4% and beat the market estimate of -0.5%. Household spending was the strongest since Aug. 2022, driven by strong wage gains. However, it is questionable whether the impressive gain is a temporary blip, given that the December wage growth was largely driven by bonuses.  Still, real wages (adjusted for inflation) rose for a second straight month in December, which supports the case for the Bank of Japan to continue raising interest rates.  BoJ policy makers have been unusually candid about plans to raise rates, although the timing is uncertain, with May or August strong possibilities for the next rate hike. The US wraps up the week with nonfarm payrolls, one of the most important economic events.  The market estimate stands at 170 thousand for January, after a surprisingly strong gain of 256 thousand in December.  If the January forecast is accurate, it would mark a sharp drop that would make headlines, but is close to the past three-month average. The Federal Reserve won't be worried if job creation slows as long as the labor market is cooling at a slow pace.  The Fed is expected to cut rates only once or twice this year, but that could change if inflation or the labor market provide any surprises. USD/JPY is testing resistance at 151.86.  Next, there is resistance at 152.48 150.83 and 150.21 are the next support levels
by OANDA
USDJPY - BoJ Interest Rate Decision?!Here is our in-depth view and update on USDJPY . Potential opportunities and what to look out for. This is a long-term overview on the pair sharing possible entries and important Key Levels. Alright first, let’s take a step back and take a look at USDJPY from a bigger perspective. For this we will be looking at the H4 time-frame . USDJPY is currently trading at around 155.800 . Our scenarios are in play after the BoJ (Bank of Japan) Interest Rate Decision is out. Let’s take another look at them with more in-depth outcomes. These scenarios are written from just a TA (Technical Analysis) point of view. Scenario 1: BUYS -We broke above 156.700 . With the break of 156.700 we can expect a possible move up to 158.748. With a a further break of this KL (Key Level) we can expect more upside on the pair potentially reaching top of the long-term range sitting at 161.820. Scenario 2: SELLS -We broke below 154.881 . If we break bellow 154.881 we can expect more downside on the pair even up to 152.000. With breaks of this level we could see even lower levels sitting at around 149.394 or “bottom of the long-term range”. IMPORTANT KEY LEVELS: - 161.820; top of the long-term range - 158.748; breaks above would result in more upside - 154.881; breaks below would result in sells - 152.817; breaks below confirming lower levels - 152.030; breaks below confirming lower levels - 149.394; bottom of the long-term range Personal opinion: It’s not advised to enter into sells or buys before we have a clear break or the BoJ Interest Rate Decision data out. For now we are patiently waiting on either breaks to the upside or breaks to the downside. More volatility on the pair is expected tomorrow so be careful. KEY NOTES - USDJPY breaking above 156.700 would confirm buys. - USDJPY breaking below 154.881 would confirm sells. - BoJ Interest Rate Decision is tomorrow. Happy trading! FxPocket
by FxPocket
1
$GBPUSD DOLLAR EDGES UP, STERLING DIPS & YEN STEADIESDOLLAR EDGES UP, STERLING DIPS & YEN STEADIES 1/7 Dollar’s on a slight uptick today but still near recent lows. 💵🔎 All eyes are on upcoming U.S. economic data—could it shake the greenback out of its range? 2/7 Sterling falls as traders brace for a possible Bank of England rate cut. 💷❓ Recent economic signals point toward a policy adjustment—markets are watching closely! 3/7 The yen hit an 8-week high overnight after a BoJ board member hinted at further rate increases. ⬆️🇯🇵 But it pulled back in European trade, settling into a steady groove. 4/7 Why the mild dollar strength? 1️⃣ Easing trade war fears 2️⃣ Anticipation of Friday’s big U.S. data drop Investors remain cautious, but a surprise on the data front could shift sentiment fast. 5/7 Sterling’s dip reflects the BoE’s potential pivot. 👀💼 A rate cut could lower borrowing costs, but also typically pressures a currency downward. 6/7 Which currency do you think will see the biggest move after the BoE decision? 1️⃣ Dollar 2️⃣ Sterling 3️⃣ Yen 4️⃣ Something else? Vote below! 🗳️👇 7/7 Uncertain times call for tight risk management! ⚠️💹 Currency markets hinge on central bank signals—stay vigilant and nimble with your trades.
Long
by DCAChampion
1
Will USDJPY continue its decline amid hawkish tones from BoJ?Macro: - The yen reached a multi-week high due to more hawkish expectations from the BoJ. Japan's December real Wage rose in the second month, driven by winter bonuses. - The Japan Service PMI was revised to 53. In addition, the BoJ signalled that it would be willing to raise interest rates when conditions met. Technical: - USDJPY dropped below both EMAs after breaking the ascending trendline, indicating strong bearish momentum. - If USDJPY continues to decline, the price may retest the support at 152.00. - Meanwhile, USDJPY may correct to retest its EMA21 area before resuming its downward movement. Analysis by: Dat Tong, Senior Financial Markets Strategist at Exness
Short
by DatTong
5
Tokyo core inflation hits one-year high, yen lowerJapan's Tokyo's core inflation rate accelerated to 2.5% y/y in January, up from 2.4% in December and in line with market expectations. This marked the highest level since February 2024 and reflects rising inflationary pressure. Tokyo CPI jumped to 3.4% y/y, its highest in almost two years, as food prices rose sharply. Tokyo core CPI is closely monitored by Bank of Japan policymakers and supports last week's central bank decision to raise interest rates by a quarter point to 0.50%. The current cash rate is far below other central banks but is the highest in Japan since the global financial crisis in 2008.The Japanese yen has reversed directions on Friday and has edged lower. In the European session, USD/JPY is trading at 154.73, up 0.28% on the day. At the meeting, the BoJ revised higher its inflation forecasts and also hinted at further rate hikes. Deputy Governor Himino echoed this stance earlier this week, stating that the BoJ would consider further hikes if economic and inflation data continued to move in accordance with the Bank's projection. This flurry of hints about rate hikes is unusual for the BoJ, which tends to reveal little and keep speculators in the dark about its rate plans. This secretive approach often results in sharp volatility from the yen after BoJ meetings, and Bank policymakers may be looking to avoid further sharp swings from the yen. It seems clear that further rate hikes are a question of time as the BoJ moves forward, albeit cautiously, towards normalization. The BoJ meets next on March 19 and investors will be looking for more clues about a possible rate hike at that time. USD/JPY has pushed above resistance at 154.48. Next, there is resistance at 155.16 153.59 and 152.91 are the next support levels
by OANDA
BoJ hikes rates, yen pares gainsThe Japanese yen gained as much as 0.8% earlier today but has failed to consolidate these gains. In the European session, USD/JPY is trading at 156.03, dwon 0.02% on the day. The Bank of Japan hiked its policy rate by 25 basis points earlier today, as expected. This brings the policy rate to 0.5%, its highest level since October 2008, during the global financial crisis. The Japanese yen climbed sharply after the decision but was unable to consolidate these gains. The BoJ has been signaling that it planned to raise rates at today's meeting, although the BoJ tends to surprise the markets and a rate hike, while expected, was not a given. The BoJ statement expressed hope that this year's wage negotiations would result in strong wage increases, as was the case last year. Governor Ueda has said in the past that he would raise rates provided that inflation was driven by higher wages, which would show that inflation was sustainable. Wage growth has been moving higher and this resulted in today's rate hike. Japan's inflation rate has been moving higher and the December inflation report, which came out today, showed core CPI climbed to 3%, up from 2.7% in November and in line with the market estimate. The core rate has hovered above the BoJ's 2% target for 2.5 years and at today's meeting, the BoJ upgraded its inflation outlook to above 2% until 2026. Predictably, Governor Ueda didn't provide a timeline for the next rate hike at his post-meeting press conference, but a May rate hike is on the table if the wage negotiations result in higher wages and inflation does not weaken unexpectedly. Another key factor in the timing of the next rate hike will be President Trump's trade policy. Trump had promised to levy tariffs on US trading partners on his first day in office but has delayed the tariffs until at least Feb. 1. The BoJ will want to see which direction Trump's trade policy is going before raising rates again. There is support at 154.78 and 153.27 156.49 and 158.00 are the next resistance lines
by OANDA
Trump, BOJ could be the ideal divergent theme for USD/JPY bearsWe've just seen the BOJ deliver a hawkish hike, where they upgraded their inflation forecasts and cited rising wage pressures. This leaves the door open for further hikes this year. Meanwhile, Trump is now trying to strongarm the Fed and global central banks to lower interest rates immediately. Together, this is the ideal divergent theme currency traders crave. And the icing on the cake for USD/JPY bears would be if Trump begins his attack on a strong USD (which I think he will). Matt Simpson, Market Analyst at City Index and Forex.com
Short
by CityIndex
1
Bank of Japan expected to raise rates, yen calmThe Japanese yen is slightly lower on Thursday. In the European session, USD/JPY is trading at 156.25, down 0.16% on the day. All eyes are on the Bank of Japan, which meets early on Friday. The BoJ is expected to raise interest rates by 25 basis points which would bring the cash rate to 0.50%. The BoJ has said that it will raise rates if it sees higher wage growth, which would indicate that inflation is sustainable. BoJ policymakers have expressed confidence that wages are moving higher and Deputy Governor Himino said last week that many firms plan to raise wages at least as much as last year. Investors will be keeping a close eye on the BoJ's rate statement. The tone of the statement could be dovish as BoJ policymakers are concerned about President Donald Trump's threats to levy trade tariffs as early as Feb. 1, a move which could destabilize the financial markets. The BoJ will have to be cautious as it gauges the 'Trump factor". Another factor supporting a rate hike is the poor performance of the Japanese yen, which has declined around 9% in the past three months. The Federal Reserve is sounding more hawkish and might raise rates only once or twice this year. If the BoJ stays on the sidelines again, the yen could fall further. Overshadowed by the BoJ meeting, Japan releases December core CPI. Japan's core inflation rate has been climbing higher and is expected to climb to 3% y/y, up from 2.7% in November which was a three-month high. The core rate, which is closely watched by the BOJ, has hovered above the central bank's target of 2% for over two years. USD/JPY is testing support at 156.20. Below, there is support at 155.68 157.04 and 157.56 are the next resistance lines
by OANDA
Japanese inflation and BoJ rate decision coming upLet's have a look what may happen with MARKETSCOM:JAPAN225 and FX_IDC:USDJPY after we get the Japanese data on Friday. We will be monitoring the data carefully, especially the rate decision, as it will be the first hike since July of last year. 74.2% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. The value of investments may fall as well as rise and the investor may not get back the amount initially invested. This content is not intended for nor applicable to residents of the UK. Cryptocurrency CFDs and spread bets are restricted in the UK for all retail clients.
by Marketscom
USD/JPY climbs, markets eye TrumpThe Japanese yen is in negative territory on Wednesday. In the North American session, USD/JPY is trading at 156.53, up 0.68% on the day. There are no key releases in the US today. On Thursday, the US releases unemployment claims and President Trump will address the World Economic Forum. Trump has vowed to levy tariffs on US trading partners, including China and the European Union. The financial markets are taking his threats seriously, and on Monday, his first day in office as President, Trump announced that he was delaying applying tariffs until Feb. 1. That announcement was a relief for the market and the US dollar fell sharply against many of the majors, although the yen failed to gain ground. Will Trump's comments at the World Economic Forum shake up the financial markets? Investors are keeping a close eye on the Bank of Japan rate decision and December Core CPI on Friday. The central bank has hinted at a rate hike at the rate meeting and is widely expected to raise rates to 0.50%, which would be the highest level since the 2008 global financial crisis. After decades of deflation and an ultra-loose monetary policy, inflation has taken root and the BoJ is slowly moving towards normalization. The BoJ's tightening cycle makes it an outlier among the major central banks, most of which are easing rates in response to lower inflation. Japan's core inflation rate has been steadily rising and is expected to climb to 3% y/y in December 2024, up from 2.7% in November which was a three-month high. The core rate, which is a key gauge of inflation trends, has remained above the BoJ target of 2% for over two years and is a key reason why the BoJ is tightening policy. USD/JPY has pushed above resistance at 155.51 and 156.24. Above, there is resistance at 156.97 154.78 and 154.05 are the next support levels
by OANDA
USD/JPY calm in holiday tradeThe yen is almost unchanged on Monday. In the European session, USD/JPY is trading at 156.37, up 0.06% on the day. We can expect a quiet day, as the US observes Martin Luther King Day and Donald Trump will be sworn in as President. The yen is coming off a busy week, with sharp swings on each of the past three trading days. The Japanese currency gained 0.95% last week, its best week since November. Still, USD/JPY remains high and investors are anxiously awaiting the Bank of Japan rate decision on Jan. 24. There are no tier-1 releases out of Japan this week but investors will be busy keeping an eye on the Bank of Japan rate decision on Friday. The central bank tends not to telegraph its intentions but has hinted at a rate hike and the market will be on the lookout for any hints or signals from BoJ policy makers ahead of the rate decision. The BoJ is widely expected to raise rates to 0.50%, which would be the highest level since the 2008 global financial crisis. After decades of deflation and an ultra-loose monetary policy, inflation has taken root and the BoJ is slowly moving towards normalization. Inflation has been above the BoJ's 2% target for almost three years and higher wage growth means that inflation should remain sustainable as it moves higher. The weak yen is another reason for the BoJ to raise rates and make the yen more attractive to investors. The big question mark is Donald Trump, whose has promised tariffs on US trading partners, which threatens to shake up the financial markets and damage Japan's crucial export sector. The Trump factor is unlikely to prevent a rate hike this week, but supports the case for the BoJ to wait several months before delivering another rate hike. USD/JPY tested support at 155.88 earlier. Below, there is support at 155.39 There is resistance at 156.79 and 157.28
by OANDA
USDJPY - Will the weakness of the yen stop?!The USDJPY pairing in the 4 -hour timeframe is between EMA200 and EMA50 and is moving in its mid -term uptrend. If corrected by publishing economic data this week, we can see the downward trend and then the restricted demand zone, and in that area with the right risk. The valid defeat of the specified resistance range will pave the way for the pair up to 160. Tatsu Yamasaki, a former Japanese official, stated in an interview with Nikkei that collaboration between Trump and Tokyo could help normalize the dollar-yen exchange rate. He suggested that Trump should work with Tokyo to weaken the overly strong dollar. Such cooperation could strengthen economic relations between the two nations and bring greater stability to financial markets. Meanwhile, robust U.S. labor market data for December has led many analysts to conclude that the Federal Reserve is unlikely to cut interest rates further at this time. Some even predict that the report could pave the way for the Fed to raise interest rates in 2025. An economist at Bank of America wrote in a note, “Our baseline forecast is that the Federal Reserve will keep rates steady for an extended period. However, the risk of a rate hike is growing.” According to the economist, factors such as core inflation growth or rising inflation expectations could trigger a rate hike.Concerns also revolve around Trump’s policies, including tax cuts and tariffs, which may contribute to higher inflation. Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), remarked that the Federal Reserve might delay rate cuts due to stable labor markets and inflation nearing target levels. She also predicted that global economic growth will remain steady as inflation gradually declines in 2025. Georgieva highlighted uncertainties surrounding trade policies under the new U.S. administration, emphasizing their potential impact on the global economy. Additionally, she expects global interest rates to remain relatively high for an extended period. Kazuo Ueda, the Governor of the Bank of Japan, stated that interest rates will be raised if economic improvements and price growth continue. He noted that the final decision on this matter will be made next week. Ueda’s remarks contributed to strengthening the yen in financial markets. Himino, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Japan, indicated that if economic projections materialize, monetary easing policies will be adjusted and interest rates increased. He stressed the need for continuous monitoring of U.S. economic policies under the new administration. Domestically, one of the critical issues remains the outlook for wage growth in the fiscal year 2025. Himino acknowledged various risks, both domestic and international, while noting that the U.S. economy is expected to remain strong. Masato Kanda, a former currency official for Japan, continues to comment on the yen. Speaking in Tokyo, he emphasized that currency markets should move based on fundamental principles, and any sudden deviations from these fundamentals require correction. Separately, Nippon Steel announced that it is the sole partner capable of fully preserving U.S. Steel, keeping its blast furnaces operational, and maintaining jobs in the industry. The company stated that its commitments have been shared in multiple meetings with various stakeholders, including employees. Meanwhile, Lourenco Goncalves, CEO of Cleveland-Cliffs, has been accused of unfair biases, as he cannot match the scope and scale of Nippon Steel’s proposal. Nippon Steel emphasized its determination to take whatever measures are necessary to finalize the deal.
Short
by Ali_PSND
BOJ to discuss rate hike, yen dips lowerThe yen remains calm and is lower on Tuesday. In the North American session, USD/JPY is trading at 157.98, up 0.34% on the day. There are no tier-1 events out of Japan this week and the yen is having a relatively quiet week. That could change with the release of US inflation on Wednesday. Headline CPI is expected to rise to 2.9% y/y in December from 2.7% in November, while core CPI is expected to remain at 3.3% y/y for a third straight month. Inflation reports have had significant impact on rate expectations but the December inflation rate might not be all that significant, as expectations of a rate cut have fallen in recent weeks. Since the December meeting, the Fed has tried to dampen rate-cut expectations and the market is not expecting a rate cut in the first quarter of 2025. The money markets have currently priced in a quarter-point cut at the Jan. 29 meeting at below 3%  and at the March meeting at around 20%. With inflation largely under control and a solid labor market, there is little reason for the Fed to cut rates in the near term. The Bank of Japan tends not to telegraph its rate plans, leaving investors in the dark and on the hunt for clues about the central bank's rate plans. The uncertainty adds to the drama ahead of BoJ meetings and means that each meeting should be treated as a market-mover. BoJ's Deputy Governor Ryozo Himino said on Tuesday that the BoJ would discuss a rate hike at the Jan. 24 meeting. Himino didn't say what decision he expected the BoJ to make but reiterated Governor's Ueda recent comments that wage growth was solid and that there was a lot of uncertainty surrounding Donald Trump's trade policies. USD/JPY tested resistance at 158.13 earlier. Above, there is resistance at 158.49 There is support at 157.78 and 157.42
by OANDA
GBPJPY - Will the pound continue to grow?!The GBPJPY currency pair is above the EMA200 and EMA50 in the 4-hour timeframe and is moving in its upward channel. If we continue to move towards the supply zone, we can sell with an appropriate risk reward. The downward correction of this currency pair towards the demand zone will provide us with the next buying position. The mortgage approval statistics for the UK in November indicate that the number of approved mortgages has reached 65.7K, which is below the forecast of 68.7K and the previous figure of 68.3K. Additionally, net consumer credit dropped to £0.9 billion, falling short of the £1.2 billion estimate. Net mortgage lending also declined to £2.5 billion, below the forecast of £3.2 billion and the previous figure of £3.4 billion. The annual consumer credit rate also fell, reaching 6.6%. On Sunday, Elon Musk stated that Nigel Farage should step down from leading the UK’s right-wing Reform Party. Musk wrote on his social platform, X, “The Reform Party needs a new leader. Farage lacks the necessary ability.” This statement came despite Musk having appeared to support Farage previously, even taking a photo with him last month. Media outlets had speculated that Musk, a close ally of Donald Trump, the U.S.President-elect, might provide significant financial support to the Reform Party to challenge the UK’s Labour and Conservative parties. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group has expressed a bearish outlook on the British pound, pointing to potential rate cuts by the Bank of England as a key factor. The group stated that market pricing for the Bank of England’s rate reductions this year is overly conservative. They anticipate that the Bank of England will implement further cuts, which would likely weaken the pound against other currencies, particularly non-dollar ones. Additionally, with the U.S. dollar showing further signs of weakening, the pound is expected to remain under pressure. The financial group also highlighted rising energy prices as a vulnerability for the UK, particularly in light of Ukraine’s refusal to extend its natural gas transit agreement with Russia to Western Europe. The UK’s limited storage capacity exacerbates its susceptibility to market price fluctuations, increasing concerns about a rise in service costs this year. Higher energy prices are expected to negatively impact consumer spending, weaken business confidence, and drive up overall costs. Meanwhile, a recent private survey revealed that Japan’s service sector activity expanded for the second consecutive month in December, driven by strong demand and increased trade activity. According to the survey conducted by S&P Global Market Intelligence, the final services PMI rose from 50.5 in November to 50.9 in December. While this was lower than the preliminary estimate of 51.4, it remained above the 50.0 threshold for the second consecutive month, signaling economic expansion. The Bank of Japan Governor, Mr. Ueda, recently stated: • There is a possibility of raising interest rates if the economic recovery continues. • The timing of adjustments will depend on economic conditions and inflation trends. • He hopes for balanced growth in wages and prices. • Wage increases remain a critical factor. • The cycle of rising wages, economic recovery, and increased consumption gradually reinforced each other throughout the past year.
Short
by Ali_PSND
A December to forget for the yenAs the global markets reopen have the New Years' Day, Japanese markets are closed for a holiday. It's a very light economic calendar today, with no Japanese releases and only one US tier event - unemployment claims. In the European session, USD/JPY is currently trading at 157.12, down 0.12% on the day. We can expect a quiet day for the yen. December was absolutely dismal for the yen, which lost which plunged 11% against the US dollar. On Tuesday, the yen dropped to 158.07 per dollar, its lowest level since early July. Investors are nervous that Tokyo could intervene in the currency markets in order to stem the yen's sharp drop. Is the 160 level the red line in the sand for Japanese authorities? Earlier in the week, Japan's Manufacturing PMI was revised to 49.6, up from 49.5 in the initial estimate and above the November reading of 49.0. This marked the sixth straight deceleration in manufacturing activity but was the highest level since September. Manufacturers' sentiment was relatively strong, with optimism for improvement in the semiconductor and auto markets, which have been hit hard over the past several months. The Bank of Japan doesn't typically telegraph its intentions to the market. One reason is the central bank doesn't want to tip its hand to speculators, who are looking to cash in on the yen's sharp swings. The BoJ summary of opinions from the December meeting provide some insights, as the summary indicated that some Bank policymakers are leaning toward a rate hike in the near future. The summary showed that there is a split among the nine-member board over rate policy. The hawkish members argued that conditions are falling into place as inflation is steady and the yen is sliding lower. The doves countered that wage growth is lagging behind inflation. Governor Ueda could be the decisive vote and investors will be following his every word right up to the January 24 meeting. There is resistance at 157.38 and 158.09 USD/JPY tested support at 156.70 earlier. Below, there is support at 155.59
by OANDA
Japan's corporate service inflation rises, yen steadyThe Japanese yen is showing little movement on Christmas Day. Japanese markets are open but with most global markets closed for the holiday, the currency markets will be very quiet today. In the European session, USD/JPY is trading at 157.29, up 0.08% on the day. Japanese inflation indicators have been heading higher and the upswing was repeated on Wednesday as Japan's corporate service price index (CSPI) climbed 3.0% in November. This marked a second straight month that CSPI has accelerated, after a 2.9% gain in October. CSPI measures the price that companies charge each other for services and is a leading indicator of service-sector inflation, which is closely watched by the Bank of Japan. The rise in CSPI supports the case that wages are rising and businesses are passing higher costs to consumers. This increase in demand-driven inflation is exactly what the BoJ wants to see before raising interest rates. The BoJ has hinted that further rate hikes are coming but hasn't provided any hints about the timing. There were some expectations of a rate hike at last week's meeting but the central bank stayed on the sidelines and Governor Ueda sounded dovish, saying that inflation was increasing "at a moderate rate" and the BoJ could take its time raising rates. Is Ueda throwing up a smoke screen to keep speculators away when the BoJ is in fact planning a rate hike in the next month or two? Perhaps. Inflation has been trending higher and the yen is falling fast, plunging 9.5% since Oct. 1. The yen pushed past the symbolic 160 level in July and could do so again. If the BoJ is genuinely concerned with the rapid descent of the yen, it will have to consider a rate hike or take more extreme action and intervene in the currency markets to prop up the ailing yen. There is resistance at 157.41 and 157.66 USD/JPY tested support at 157.15 and 156.90 earlier. Below, there is support at 156.64
by OANDA