USDJPY Slightly Bearish Bias on October 22, 2024 !!USDJPY Slightly Bearish Bias on October 22, 2024: Key Drivers and Analysis
As of October 22, 2024, the USDJPY currency pair is exhibiting a slightly bearish bias based on the latest market conditions and fundamental factors. In this article, we’ll break down the key drivers that could contribute to this potential weakness in the US Dollar (USD) against the Japanese Yen (JPY) and provide insights for traders looking to capitalize on these movements.
1. Dovish Federal Reserve Outlook Weakens USD
The US Dollar has been losing momentum in recent sessions due to a shift in market sentiment around the future path of the Federal Reserve's monetary policy. Recent economic data out of the US, including softer-than-expected retail sales and a slowdown in the housing market, have led traders to anticipate a more dovish approach from the Fed.
Despite persistent inflationary pressures, the Federal Reserve has signaled that it may pause rate hikes, which is reducing demand for the USD. This pause in tightening is making the USDJPY pair more vulnerable to downside risks, especially as traders shift to safer assets like the JPY in the face of rising uncertainty in global markets.
2. Bank of Japan's Potential Policy Shift
The Bank of Japan (BoJ) has remained committed to its ultra-loose monetary policy for years, but there are signs that it may be reconsidering its stance. Speculation has grown that the BoJ might tweak its yield curve control (YCC) program or adjust its negative interest rates policy in the near future. Even though no official changes have been announced, the potential for a more hawkish policy shift is providing underlying support to the JPY.
Investors are also pricing in the possibility that inflationary pressures in Japan could push the BoJ toward policy normalization, which would make the JPY more attractive relative to the USD.
3. Safe-Haven Demand for JPY Amid Global Uncertainty
The Japanese Yen is traditionally viewed as a safe-haven currency, meaning that it tends to gain strength during periods of global uncertainty. Current geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, and concerns over global economic slowdown are driving risk aversion in the markets. This sentiment is boosting demand for safe-haven assets, including the JPY, while pressuring the USDJPY pair lower.
Furthermore, ongoing concerns about China's economic recovery and lingering trade tensions between the US and other major economies are also contributing to increased risk-off sentiment, which favors the Yen over the Dollar.
4. Diverging Economic Data Between the US and Japan
While the US economy has been showing signs of weakness, with disappointing retail sales and housing market reports, Japan’s latest GDP data surprised to the upside. The Japanese economy grew faster than expected in the last quarter, reinforcing the view that the country is starting to recover from its prolonged period of stagnation. This stronger economic outlook for Japan is providing additional tailwinds for the Yen.
In contrast, US data continues to reflect a potential slowdown, leading traders to rethink their bullish stance on the USD. The combination of weaker economic performance in the US and stronger-than-expected growth in Japan is tilting the balance toward a bearish USDJPY outlook.
5. Technical Analysis and Market Sentiment
From a technical perspective, the USDJPY pair has recently tested key resistance levels around 150.00 but failed to break higher, suggesting that a reversal may be underway. The pair is now trading closer to 148.50, with the potential to move lower if further downside pressure builds. Traders are watching for a break below the 148.00 support level, which could signal additional bearish momentum.
Market sentiment, as indicated by the Commitment of Traders (COT) report, shows a slight increase in speculative short positions on the USDJPY pair, reflecting the broader expectation of near-term weakness in the USD.
6. Yen Intervention Concerns
Another factor adding to the bearish bias for USDJPY is the potential for Japanese government intervention. In the past, Japan’s Ministry of Finance has intervened in the currency markets to support the Yen when it experiences excessive weakness. With USDJPY approaching levels that could trigger intervention, traders are cautious about pushing the pair higher, which is contributing to the pair’s bearish momentum.
The Japanese authorities have issued warnings in recent weeks about excessive volatility in the Yen, and this potential intervention risk is helping to keep USDJPY in check.
Conclusion: USDJPY Outlook for October 22, 2024
In conclusion, the USDJPY pair is expected to maintain a slightly bearish bias today due to several key factors, including the dovish Federal Reserve outlook, potential Bank of Japan policy shifts, and rising safe-haven demand for the Yen. The divergence in economic data between the US and Japan, coupled with technical indicators signaling downside potential, further strengthens the case for a weaker USDJPY pair in today’s trading session.
Traders should keep a close eye on upcoming economic reports from both the US and Japan, as well as any potential intervention from Japanese authorities, which could impact the pair’s trajectory. For those trading forex, today’s market environment may present opportunities to capitalize on short positions in USDJPY.
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Currencymarkets
FX Price Action Ahead on Growing Rate DivergenceLast week was busy for major central banks. During a 60-hour window, rates were set for 60% of the global economy, from the US Fed, the ECB, to the BoE.
Central banks’ announcements caused a frenzy in markets. The pivot to a dovish stance by the US Fed contrasted sharply with hawkishness from the ECB.
This paper summarizes rate announcements and their market impact. It also dives into Yen dynamics as the Bank of Japan (BoJ) meets tomorrow.
CAUTION FX TRADERS: GROWING RATE DIVERGENCE AHEAD
Renewed divergence in monetary policies was evident from rate announcements by the major central banks. After more than a year of moving in tandem, central banks’ stances are shifting. The Fed is signaling rate cuts sooner. Meanwhile, ECB and BoE insist that rates need to stay higher for longer to fight sticky inflation.
As interest rates in the US remain elevated relative to other major economies, the Fed has ample room to slash sooner.
Inflation in the EU has contracted at a rapid clip relative to the US. However, economists expect EU inflation to rebound in the near term with fading base-level effects.
Inflation in the US is expected to average 2.4% in 2024 compared to 2.7% in the EU and 3.75% in the UK, as per respective central banks.
The US economy is strong with robust economic growth, resilient consumer spending, and solid PMI numbers.
FED HAS PIVOTED TO DOVISHNESS
The FOMC opted to keep rates steady with their statement pointing to the end of the rate hiking cycle. Most notable was the Fed’s updated economic projections & dot plot. It showed faster-declining inflation, slower GDP growth, and faster rate cuts.
The Fed’s dot plot of rate expectations guided towards three 25 basis point (bps) cuts next year. Markets were expecting five rate cuts before the Fed announcement. Following the Fed meeting, markets now anticipate six rate cuts.
BOE REMAINS HAWKISH
The Bank of England opted to keep rates steady with a hawkish pause. The BoE statement indicates further rate hikes if inflationary pressures remain persistent.
“The full effect of higher interest rates has yet to come through, posing ongoing challenges to households, businesses and governments," ~ BoE Market Policy Committee
ECB JOINED THE BOE WITH A HAWKISH PAUSE
ECB decided to keep rates steady with a hawkish pause. ECB President Christine Lagarde asserted that rate cuts were not being discussed yet and rates may even need to go higher to bring inflation under control.
ECB noted that tighter financing conditions were leading to demand contraction, which weighed on pushing down inflation. Economic growth is expected to remain subdued. ECB estimates gradual ramp up in growth from 0.6% for 2023 to 0.8% for 2024, and to 1.5% for both 2025 and 2026.
BOJ DECISION IS MOST UNCERTAIN WITH A THORNY JOB ON HAND
The Bank of Japan (BoJ) is set to announce their rate decision on December 19th. It has maintained ultra-low interest rates all year while others hiked aggressively.
Recent statements by BoJ Governor Ueda signal a pivot away from the ultra-low policy.
"Managing monetary policy will become even more challenging from the end of the year and heading into next year." ~ Kazuo Ueda, Governor, Bank of Japan on 6/Dec
Governor Ueda’s statements have led to market expectation of upcoming monetary tightening in Japan. JPY has strengthened 6% relative to the USD over the last month.
Despite Ueda’s statements, BoJ pivot remains uncertain. Inflation in Japan is running hot and above US inflation. Moreover, wage growth and economic growth in Japan have been moderate despite high inflation creating stagflation risks.
Consumer spending and wage growth remain muted despite record profits. Feeble Yen is boosting Japanese exporter profits.
Nevertheless, the BoJ has been setting up a change in monetary policy. Earlier this year, it raised the cap on JGB yields and eventually changed the cap from a rigid limit to a loose reference. Some economists consider this a prelude to eventual scrapping of the YCC altogether.
CENTRAL BANK DECISIONS HAVE CREATED DEEP RIPPLES ACROSS MARKETS
Commodity markets reacted positively to the rate announcements. The Fed’s signal of upcoming easing opened the door for commodity demand to rise.
Precious metals are likely to benefit from asset rotation out of US treasuries while Crude will benefit from higher economic activity from lower interest rates.
Equities surged on Fed pivot. Small-caps and Mid-caps outperformed the Nasdaq-100 and S&P 500. Both SPX and NDX also extended gains.
Bond yields fell sharply following the FOMC decision. Yields fell to their lowest level in four months. One-year bond yields performed the best while thirty-year performed the worst.
LEVERAGED FUNDS ARE BULLISH EURO, STERLING, AND BEARISH YEN
Asset managers and leveraged funds are net long on Euro FX futures. Asset managers and leveraged funds are net short on Yen and Pound futures but have reduced net short positioning over the past few weeks.
HYPOTHETICAL TRADE SETUP
The Fed’s dovish stance plus the hawkishness of European central banks will result in dollar weakness relative to Euro and Sterling. Upside risks to the dollar persist with stronger economic data and inflation resurgence forcing the Fed to reassess its stance.
To gain from the weakening of the dollar against the euro and sterling, investors can buy into CME Micro FX Euro and GBP futures. A long sterling provides higher upside than long euro given higher inflation in the UK.
Policy uncertainty in Japan is unlikely to usher in a pivot in the short-term. The JPY is likely to weaken against the dollar despite DXY weakness. To harness gains from weakening Yen, investors can establish a long position in CME Micro JPY Futures.
Hypothetical Trade 1 & 2: Long EUR and GBP
Entry: 1.0960
Target: 1.1150
Stop Loss: 1.0860
Profit at Target: USD 238 (= 1.1500 - 1.0960 = 190 pips = 190 x 1.25)
Loss at Stop: USD 125 (= 1.0860 – 1.0960 = -100 pips = -100 x 1.25)
Reward-Risk: 1.9x
Entry: 1.2720
Target: 1.3120
Stop Loss: 1.2490
Profit at Target: USD 250 (= 1.3120 - 1.2720 = 400 pips = 400 x 0.625)
Loss at Stop: USD 144 (= 1.2490 – 1.2720 = -230 pips = 230 x 0.625)
Reward-Risk: 1.75x
Hypothetical Trade 2: Short JPY
Entry: 139.57
Target: 146.28
Stop Loss: 137.97
Profit at Target: JPY 67,100 (= 146.28 - 139.57 = 671 pips = 671 x 100)
Loss at Stop: JPY 16,000 (=137.97 – 139.57 = 160 pips = 160 x 100)
Reward-Risk: 4.2x
MARKET DATA
CME Real-time Market Data helps identify trading set-ups and express market views better. If you have futures in your trading portfolio, you can check out on CME Group data plans available that suit your trading needs www.tradingview.com
DISCLAIMER
This case study is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment recommendations or advice. Nor are they used to promote any specific products, or services.
Trading or investment ideas cited here are for illustration only, as an integral part of a case study to demonstrate the fundamental concepts in risk management or trading under the market scenarios being discussed. Please read the FULL DISCLAIMER the link to which is provided in our profile description.
$EURUSD Bulls are Back once AGAIN? - LONGEURUSD Financial Review: Navigating Current Conditions and Projecting Trends"
Introduction:
The FX:EURUSD currency pair is currently poised for significant developments, with a projected bullish trend following a rapid correction. This analysis incorporates both trend and technical indicators, providing insights into the potential future movements of the pair.
Technical Analysis:
Our technical analysis, conducted on the 2-hour timeframe using the w.aritas.io indicator, reveals a convergence of probability bands, specifically the On-Balance Volume (OBV) and Relative Strength Index (RSI), as well as Money Flow with Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD). This convergence signals a stabilized market with reduced asset volatility, indicative of an equilibrium state. Minor fluctuations may trigger a bullish momentum, attracting further MoneyFlow into the asset.
Anticipated Bullish Boost:
We anticipate a bullish boost to commence as the pair approaches the critical zone around 1.08275 . Upon testing this zone, a light retracement is expected, followed by a resurgence of bullish momentum. This trend initially formed on October 16, 2023 , coinciding with positive movements in stocks and Treasury yields. Our projection suggests a continuation of this bullish trend towards our target profit zone, TP #2, around the 1.126 mark.
USD Strength and Economic Resilience:
In contrast to the EUR's projected bullish trend, we maintain the view that the USD is poised for broad strengthening into early 2024. This expectation is grounded in the economic resiliency of the United States and the Federal Reserve's cautious approach, with no imminent easing anticipated until the middle of the following year. These factors collectively position the Greenback favorably for the coming quarters.
JPY Weakness and Intervention Concerns:
Turning attention to the JPY, notable insights from Bloomberg.com highlight the potential for the yen to weaken by more than 10% due to the Bank of Japan's commitment to ultra-easy monetary policy. This contrasts with the Federal Reserve's tightening stance aimed at curbing inflation. The yen's potential decline, as suggested by Sakakibara, could reach levels near 160, prompting concerns of intervention by the Bank of Japan to mitigate its slide.
Additional Context:
For further context on the FX:USDJPY situation, readers are encouraged to explore the comprehensive analysis available at www.fxstreet.com This source provides valuable insights into the dynamics shaping the FX:USDJPY currency pair, offering a more detailed understanding of the factors influencing its movements.
Conclusion:
In summary, the FX:EURUSD pair is poised for a bullish trajectory , with technical indicators signaling a stabilized market. Concurrently, the USD is expected to strengthen, while the JPY faces potential weakness and intervention challenges. Traders and investors should remain vigilant, considering the nuanced interplay of global economic factors influencing currency markets.
Deciphering DXY: The Dollar Index Explained 💵📊
The world of forex and global finance is filled with acronyms and indices that influence markets daily. One of the most critical and widely tracked indices is DXY, which represents the U.S. Dollar Index. In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive into what DXY is, why it matters to traders and investors, and how it can impact your financial decisions. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of this essential indicator and its role in the financial world.
Unveiling DXY: The Dollar Index
What is DXY?
DXY, often referred to simply as the Dollar Index, is a measure of the value of the United States dollar relative to a basket of foreign currencies. It provides a weighted average of the dollar's exchange rates against some of the world's most traded currencies.
Composition of DXY
The Dollar Index is composed of six major world currencies, each assigned a specific weight:
1. Euro (EUR) - 57.6%
2. Japanese Yen (JPY) - 13.6%
3. British Pound (GBP) - 11.9%
4. Canadian Dollar (CAD) - 9.1%
5. Swedish Krona (SEK) - 4.2%
6. Swiss Franc (CHF) - 3.6%
Why DXY Matters
DXY is a crucial indicator for several reasons:
1. Global Benchmark: DXY is widely considered the primary indicator for measuring the value of the U.S. dollar globally. It serves as a benchmark for comparing the dollar's strength or weakness against other major currencies.
2. Currency Movements: Traders and investors use DXY to gauge the dollar's performance and predict potential currency movements. A rising DXY indicates a stronger dollar, while a falling index suggests a weaker dollar.
3. Influence on Markets: Changes in DXY can have a significant impact on various markets, including forex, commodities, and equities. For instance, a strengthening dollar can lead to lower commodity prices, affecting commodity-dependent economies.
4. Policy Implications: Central banks and governments closely monitor DXY to inform their monetary and fiscal policies. A rising DXY may influence a central bank to consider policies to counteract a strong dollar's effects on exports.
DXY's Impact on Forex
DXY, the Dollar Index, is a vital tool in the financial world, providing insights into the relative strength of the U.S. dollar. Its composition of major world currencies and its widespread use make it a key indicator for traders, investors, and policymakers alike. By understanding DXY's significance and monitoring its movements, you can make more informed financial decisions and navigate the complexities of the global markets. 💵📊
What do you want to learn in the next post?