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Hot Inflation & What to Watch Next - 14/02/2514th of February 2025 •XRP and BNB leading, as Bitcoin trades flat in the last seven days. •Headline inflation metrics in the US land above expectations. •Impactful data point to watch heading into the end of February. --- A big week of headlines and events, particularly out of the US, have netted very little change in Bitcoin’s price. Bitcoin is down 0.1% at the time of writing in the last seven-days, while altcoins such as XRP and BNB are showing double-digit gains. Bitcoin has struggled to make new year-to-date highs in the current state of global conditions. In contrast, global indices in the UK (FTSE100) and China (CSI300) have continued to make new year-to-date highs Mixed Messages & Above Expected Results Fed Chair Jerome Powell mentioned earlier this week at a senate banking enquiry that the current state of monetary policy does not require easing conditions, as the economy remains strong and the 2% target for inflation is key. However, he has referenced that unexpected moves in the labour market or a significant cooling of inflation could change the committee’s mind. “If the labor market were to weaken unexpectedly or inflation were to fall more quickly than anticipated, we can ease policy accordingly.” On this point, headline metrics for inflation land above expectations this week. On Tuesday, Consumer Price Index (CPI) landed above expectations at 3.0%, rising 0.1% from the previous month. Overnight the Producers Price Index (PPI) landed above expectations at 3.5% year-on-year. This figure remains unchanged from the previous month and represents the inflation burden on producers in the US. Key data to come On the last day of February the US Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) data will provide further clarity towards the state of monetary policy heading into next month. PCE is the leading indicator used by the policy committee to measure inflation. Fear and greed currently reads 40 – neutral. Bitcoin Analysis The price of Bitcoin is currently trading within the January high and low range, and on the Bollinger band we are entering a period where the upper and bottom channel is compressing. Bullish Scenario In the coming days, price may see a sharp move higher as the Bollinger Bands tighten. If bulls regain control and reclaim the monthly open, they could push toward last month’s high. Bearish Scenario We could also with this compression in the Bollinger Bands, see volatility moving price to the downside. This may result in prices heading towards the January low. DISCLAIMER: The information is for general information purposes only. It is not intended as legal, financial or investment advice and should not be construed or relied on as such. Before making any commitment of a legal or financial nature you should seek advice from a qualified and registered legal practitioner or financial or investment adviser. No material contained within this website should be construed or relied upon as providing recommendations in relation to any legal or financial product.
by PHundal
2
GOLD 1H CHAR ROUTE MAP & TRADING PLAN FOR THE WEEKGOLD 1H Chart – 12th Feb 2025 Dear Traders, Here’s the latest 1H chart analysis, outlining key levels and targets for the week. Gold is currently trading between two critical levels, with a gap above 2905 and below 2883. A confirmed EMA5 crossover and lock above or below these levels will indicate the next price direction. Until then, expect price fluctuations as these levels are tested repeatedly. Keep in mind that Inflation and CPI data are due today and tomorrow. While fundamental analysis plays a role in predicting gold's movement, our advanced technical analysis is essential for precise entry and exit points during these volatile geopolitical times. Our strategy remains focused on buying dips and monitoring key levels to identify potential bounce opportunities. Stay sharp! Resistance Levels: 2905, 2920, 2942, 2963, 2982, 3001, 3021, 3043 Support Levels: Gold Turn Levels : 2883, 2852, 2837, 2817, Retracement Range: 2802 - 2817 Swing Range: 2747 EMA5 (Red Line) Analysis: * Currently fluctuating between 2886 and 2905 * EMA5 positioning will be crucial in determining the next trading direction. Bullish Targets: EMA5 cross and lock Above 2905 → will open the following bullish Target 2920 ✅Done EMA5 cross and lock Above 2920 → will open the following bullish Target 2942 ✅Done EMA5 cross and lock Above 2942 → will open the following bullish Target 2963 EMA5 cross and lock Above 2963 → will open the following bullish Target 2982 EMA5 cross and lock Above 2982 → will open the following bullish Target 3001 EMA5 cross and lock Above 3001 → will open the following bullish Target 3021 EMA5 cross and lock Above 3021 → will open the following bullish Target 3043 Bearish Targets: EMA5 cross and lock Below 2883 → will open the following bearish Target 2852 EMA5 cross and lock Below 2852 → will open the following bearish Target 2837 EMA5 cross and lock Below 2837 → will open the following bearish Target 2817 EMA5 cross and lock Below 2817 → will open the following bearish Target 2802 (Retracement Range) EMA5 cross and lock Below 2802 → will open the following bearish Target 2747 (Swing Range) Trading Plan: * Stay bullish and buy pullbacks from key levels. * Avoid chasing tops—focus on buying dips. * Use smaller timeframes for entries at Goldturn levels. * Aim for 30–40 pips per trade for optimal risk management. * Each level can yield 20–40+ pips reversals. Trade with confidence and discipline. Stay tuned for our daily updates! Please support us with likes, comments, and follows to keep these insights coming. 📉💰 The Quantum Trading Mastery
FXOPEN:XAUUSDLong
by TheQUANTUMTraders
GBP/USD dips on hot US inflation reportThe British pound is lower on Wednesday. GBP/USD is trading at 1.2400, down 0.37% on the day. The January inflation report was hotter than expected, giving the US dollar a boost against the major currencies today. Headline CPI rose 3% y/y, above the December gain of 2.9% which was also the market estimate. Monthly, CPI rose 0.5%, up from 0.4% in December and above the market estimate of 0.3%. It was the highest monthly inflation rate since August 2023. The core rate, which excludes food and energy, rose 3.3% from 3.2%, above the market estimate of 3.2%. Monthly core CPI accelerated to 0.4% from 0.2%, above the market estimate of 0.3%. The inflation report didn't change expectations about the March meeting, with the Fed virtually certain to hold rates. However, expectations for a cut in May have dropped to just 9%, compared to 21% a day ago. The economy is performing well and the Fed will be reluctant to lower rates again until it sees inflation moving lower. Fed Chair Powell repeated a familiar message in testimony before a Senate Banking committee on Tuesday, saying that the Fed "does not need to be in a hurry" to adjust policy. Powell said that rate policy remains restrictive but the Fed would be careful not to lower rates too quickly or too slowly. Powell deflected a question about Trump's tariffs and US trade policy but acknowledged that tariffs could lift inflation and complicate the Fed's ability to lower rates. The UK releases GDP on Thursday, with little change expected from the sputtering UK economy. Annually, GDP is projected to remain unchanged at 1%, while the GDP 3-month average to December is expected to decline by 0.1%, compared to a flat reading in the previous release. The economy contracted in the third quarter and may show a small gain in Q4 thanks to increased government spending. GBP/USD tested support at 1.2411 earlier. Below, there is support at 1.2368 1.2491 and 1.2534 are the next resistance lines
by OANDA
$GOLD EASES FROM RECORD HIGHS AHEAD OF U.S. INFLATION DATAGOLD EASES FROM RECORD HIGHS AHEAD OF U.S. INFLATION DATA 1/7 Gold hit a record high of $2,942.70/oz on Feb 11, fueled by safe-haven demand amid fresh U.S. tariffs. Today, it’s dipped 0.2% to $2,892.50 as investors take profits and watch U.S. inflation data. Let’s dig in! 💰⚖️ 2/7 – RECENT PRICE ACTION • All-time high at $2,942.70/oz—sparked by President Trump’s 25% tariffs on steel & aluminum • Spot gold now at $2,892.50 (↓0.2%), with futures at $2,931.40 (↓0.1%) • The rally’s paused—are we in for a short breather or a bigger correction? 🤔 3/7 – TARIFF TENSIONS • 25% tariffs raise global trade war fears, boosting gold’s safe-haven appeal • Markets worried about inflation, as import costs could climb • Gold remains a hedge against economic uncertainty and currency devaluation 🌐⛔️ 4/7 – MACROECONOMIC DRIVERS • Fed Chair Powell’s hawkish comments on rate policy sent gold lower—higher rates often weigh on non-yielding assets • U.S. inflation data (due soon) could shape the Fed’s next move—any upside surprise might strengthen the dollar, pressuring gold further 5/7 – INVESTOR SENTIMENT • Profit-taking: After a massive run-up, traders might lock in gains • Safe Haven: Still an underlying bullish sentiment if tariffs escalate • The $2,900–$2,950 range is in focus—will gold consolidate or stage another breakout? 6/7 Where’s gold heading next? 1️⃣ Above $3,000—safe haven demand remains strong ✨ 2️⃣ Sideways around $2,900—pausing for data 🏖️ 3️⃣ Back under $2,850—hawkish Fed sinks gold ⬇️ Vote below! 🗳️👇 7/7 – STRATEGY WATCH • Short-Term: Watch U.S. inflation data & dollar moves—gold typically moves opposite the greenback • Long-Term: If tariffs stoke inflationary pressure, gold may shine even brighter. Keep an eye on geopolitical developments! 🌎
OANDA:XAUUSDLong
by DCAChampion
2
SPX500 programmed to have a correction.My analysis is straightforward. On the weekly timeframe, there is a significant bearish divergence on the RSI, indicating that the market is moving in the wrong direction relative to fundamentals. This divergence has been present for six months, so one might assume there’s no reason for a change. The market is in a bubble, but it needs a catalyst to wake up. While I appreciate some of Trump's policies, certain aspects of his approach could crash the market. - Imposing tariffs on most imports might seem like a good idea. Trump aims to make the U.S. a producer of goods rather than an importer. However, the U.S. has lost much of its manufacturing base, engineering expertise, and know-how. China now dominates these areas, making this policy difficult to implement within the short span of a four-year term. Instead, tariffs on all imports would raise prices, worsening inflation. The market's prolonged rise has been largely driven by the Fed's efforts to control inflation. Higher inflation would force the Fed to raise interest rates, spooking the market. Another risk is a potential disagreement between the government and the Fed over policies, which would create uncertainty. I believe that increased inflation, higher prices, and tariffs will ultimately undermine trust in U.S. monetary policies, leading to the opposite of the intended effect. The USD could weaken, and more countries may move away from dollarization (regardless of tariffs, as Trump cannot dictate other nations' monetary policies). The market would likely react negatively, and the bearish divergence would play out, potentially causing a crash lasting at least a year, similar to what happened in January 2022. I hope I’m wrong, but this scenario has a high probability of occurring.
SP:SPXShort
by CryptoNikkoid
3
EUR/USD slides on tariff turmoil, euro CPI risesThe euro has weakened at the start of the new week. EUR/USD slumped over the weekend and dropped as low as 1.0141, its lowest level since Nov. 2022. The euro has recovered somewhat on Monday and is trading at 1.0277 in the North American session. Still, the euro has dropped 0.76% since Friday's close. US President Trump hasn't wasted any time and imposed 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada over the weekend, effective February 4. Mexico and Canada have both announced retaliatory tariffs in response. Earlier today, just one day before the tariffs were to take effect, the US announced that the tariffs against Mexico would be delayed for a month. The breather is good news, but the US could still find itself embroiled in a trade war with its two neighbors, in what is the world's largest trade zone. Trump hasn't slapped the European Union with any tariffs yet, but said on Friday that he would "absolutely" go after imports from the EU. Global markets have been hit by fears of a global trade war resulting from the US tariffs and the US dollar is up sharply against most of the major currencies, including the euro. Inflation in the eurozone ticked upwards to 2.5% y/y in January from 2.4% in December, above the market estimate of 2.4%. This was the highest CPI level since July 2024, driven mainly by a sharp jump in energy prices. Core CPI, which excludes food and energy prices, remained unchanged at 2.7% y/y for a fifth straight month, just above the market estimate of 2.6%. This is above the European Central Bank's 2% target but is the lowest level since January 2022. Services inflation, which is closely watched by the ECB, eased to 3.9% in January, down from 4% in December. Today's inflation report affirms that inflationary risks remain and could complicate the ECB's plans to reduce interest rates and kick-start the weak eurozone economy. The ECB meets next on March 6. EUR/USD has pushed above resistance at 1.0244 and is testing resistance at 1.0297 There is support at 1.0203 and 1.0175 www.tradingview.com
by OANDA
Inflation vs gold correlation 60's to 80's Pattern.Gold seems to like inflation. Or, is inflation food for gold? These are chars that no one is showing you. According to this chart, Gold has a seven year bull run ahead of it that should top at some point in 2032. This a chart of the US Inflation rate on the 2 month (Blue line) right from the horses mouth, Bureau of labour statistics. On the top in gold or yellow is the gold chart. As you can clearly see, in the seventies gold was very heavily correlated with inflation. This is not my opinion this is a fact, and it will be again. THIS IS A 2 FOR ONE GUYS. INFLATION AND GOLD FORCAST ALL IN ONE!! Let me know what you think down below. Kind regards, WeAreSat0shi
ECONOMICS:USIRYYLong
by WeAreSat0shi
TARIFFS Will Lead To Inflation!? NOPE!So many talking heads crying TARIFFS will be inflationary, but it’s mostly uneducated fear-mongering. Let’s look at the cold, hard USIRYY and CPI data to figure out the truth behind this. From March 2018 through September 2019, President Trump had eight waves of tariff announcements on C-H-I-N-A, plus some steel and aluminum ones on Mexico and Canada. In order to combat these inflation worries, Trump did what he said he was going to do… DRILL BABY DRILL. For the first time since 1949, the US would be a net exporter of oil. We can see there was a quick spike in inflation from stockpiling imports before tariffs were fully implemented, but inflation quickly plummeted nearly in half as the US became a net exporter. Fast-forward to today, and coincidentally inflation is at 2.9% which is right around where it was when Trump imposed the tariffs during his last presidency. Funny how that works out, eh ;) Trump has declared the US will DRILL BABY DRILL bigger than ever, which should lead us to believe that this time is NOT different and inflation will go down again.
ECONOMICS:USIRYY
by jonnieking
4
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
GALAComprehensive Analysis of GALA 🔹 Project Introduction: GALA is a blockchain-based ecosystem focused on developing decentralized gaming (GameFi) and NFTs. The project aims to give players full control over their in-game assets while introducing a new economic model for the gaming industry. 📊 Technical Analysis of GALA/USDT 🔍 Overall Market Condition: GALA is currently trading within a mid-term ascending channel and is sitting at a key support zone that will determine the next major price direction. 🟢 Bullish Scenario: Key Support Zone: $0.02435 – $0.02684 (Blue Box) If this support holds, the price could move toward the midline of the ascending channel. The next major resistance lies within the red zone: $0.05949 – $0.06914 This resistance acts as a crucial ceiling for the price. 🚀 Potential Targets After Breaking the Red Resistance: ✅ TP1: Channel Top ✅ TP2: Breakout Above the Channel → Higher Price Levels 🔴 Bearish Scenario: If the blue support zone fails to hold: The price could drop to the bottom of the ascending channel + weekly support 🏁 (Gray Box) Losing this level may trigger a new bearish trend. 📈 Trend Confirmation Factors: ✔ Increasing volume on breakouts → Confirms bullish momentum ✔ Declining volume on pullbacks → Indicates weak selling pressure ✔ RSI near 50: A move towards 70 (Overbought Zone) signals bullish strength 📌 Summary & Suggested Strategy: 🔹 Holding the blue support → Targeting the red resistance 🔹 Breaking the red resistance → Potential move towards TP1 🔹 Breakout above the channel → Strong bullish rally 🔹 Heavy rejection → Key support at the bottom of the channel (Gray Box) ⚠️Risk Management: Monitor trading volume & RSI behavior to confirm breakouts or reversals.
Long
by alizeynali69
$USINTR -U.S Interest Rates ECONOMICS:USINTR (January 2025) source: Federal Reserve -The Fed kept the funds rate steady at the 4.25%-4.5% range as expected, pausing its rate-cutting cycle after three consecutive reductions in 2024. The Fed showed more optimism about the labor market and noted that inflation remains somewhat elevated, removing the reference to ongoing progress toward the 2% target. The Fed also said the economic outlook is uncertain, and is attentive to the risks to both sides of its dual mandate.
ECONOMICS:USINTR
by Mr_J__fx
Australian dollar extends losses on soft Aussie CPIThe Australian dollar is down for a third straight trading day and has declined 1.3% this week. In the North American session, AUD/USD is trading at 0.6228, down 0.37% on the day.  Australia's annual inflation rate dropped to 2.4% in the fourth quarter of 2024 from 2.8% in Q3. This was below the market estimate of 2.5% and was the lowest reading since Q1 2023. Electricity prices were sharply lower due to an energy bill rebate and services inflation dropped to 4.3% from 4.6%, its lowest level in three quarters. On a quarterly basis, CPI remained unchanged at 0.2% in Q4, below the market estimate of 0.3%. The Reserved Bank of Australia's trimmed mean CPI, a key indicator of underlying inflation, slowed to 0.5% q/q in Q4, lower than 0.8% in Q3 and below the market estimate of 0.6%. Annually, trimmed mean CPI fell to 3.2%, compared to a revised 3.6% in Q3 and below the market estimate of 3.3%. The soft inflation report has raised expectations that the RBA will lower rates at the Feb. 18 meeting, with the market pricing in a quarter-point cut at 80%. That would bring the cash rate to 4.10%, its lowest since Oct. 2023. Today's inflation report has added significance as it is the final tier-1 event prior to next month's rate meeting. Investors are awaiting the Federal Reserve's rate announcement later today, although it would be a massive surprise if the Fed did not maintain the current benchmark interest rate of 4.25%-4.5%. The Fed has cut rate three consecutive times, including a jumb0 half-point chop in September 2024, but the resilient US economy has stalled plans to aggressively lower rates further and currently the Fed is projected to cut rates only once or twice in 2025. AUD/USD is testing support at 0.6228. Below, there is support at 0.6204 0.6262 and 0.6286 are the next resistance lines
by OANDA
AUD/USD slides on Trump tariff threatsThe Australian dollar is in negative territory on Tuesday. In the North American session, AUD/USD is trading at 0.6252, down 0.62%.  Investors are keeping a closer eye on the third-quarter inflation report, which will be released early on Wednesday. CPI is expected to ease to 2.5% from 2.8%. This is the final tier-1 event prior to the Reserve Bank of Australia's rate meeting on Feb. 18 and could be the determining factor as to whether the RBA finally lowers interest rates. The markets have priced in about an 80% chance of a quarter-point cut at the February meeting. The RBA has maintained the cash rate at 4.35% since Nov. 2023 and has been an outlier among other major central banks, most of which have entered an easing cycle. The US dollar is showing broad strength today, after US President Trump said on Monday that he would impose tariffs on steel, aluminum and copper imported to the U.S. Trump reiterated that he plans to levy a baseline universal tariff on all imports. Trump's tariff plans would likely raise inflation and could destabilize the financial markets, which displayed strong swings during Trump's first week in office. China's services and manufacturing sectors both decelerated in January and missed expectations. The non-manufacturing PMI fell to 50.2, down from 52.2 in December and shy of the forecast of 51.8. With the exception of November, service activity has been stagnant, with readings barely above the 50 level, which separates expansion from contraction. Domestic demand weakened and the uncertainty surrounding Donald Trump's trade policies have dampened foreign sales. The manufacturing sector is struggling and contracted in January, easing to 49.1, compared to 50.1 in December and missing the market estimate of 50.1. This was the first contraction since September 2024 and the sharpest decline in five months. Manufacturing output and foreign orders weakened in January and the weak global economy could mean further headwinds in 2025 for the manufacturing sector. China's government has implemented stimulus measures in order to boost the economy and GDP hit 5% in 2024. Still, deflation has persisted and consumer spending remains weak. The government will have to inject further stimulus in order to boost domestic consumption, a key engine of economic growth. AUD/USD is testing support at 0.6278. Below, there is support at 0.6225 0.6366 and 0.6419 are the next resistance lines
by OANDA
AUD/USD slides on soft Chinese dataThe Australian dollar is in negative territory on Monday. In the North American session, AUD/USD is trading at 0.6276, down 0.59%. The Australian dollar is coming off its best weekly performance since Nov. 2023, gaining 2% against the US dollar. China's services and  manufacturing sectors both decelerated in January and missed expectations. The non-manufacturing PMI fell to 50.2, down from 52.2 in December and shy of the forecast of 51.8. With the exception of November, service activity has been stagnant, with readings barely above the 50 level, which separates expansion from contraction. Domestic demand weakened and the uncertainty surrounding Donald Trump's trade policies have dampened foreign sales. The manufacturing sector is struggling and contracted in January, easing to 49.1. compared to 50.1 in December and missing the market estimate of 50.1. This was the first contraction since September 2024 and the sharpest decline in five months. Manufacturing output and foreign orders weakened in January and the weak global economy could mean further headwinds in 2025 for the manufacturing sector. China's government has implemented stimulus measures in order to boost the economy and GDP hit 5% in 2024. Still, deflation has persisted and consumer spending remains weak. The government will have to inject further stimulus in order to boost domestic consumption, a key engine of economic growth. Australia releases the National Australia Bank business confidence index early on Tuesday. The index fell sharply to -3 in November, down sharply from 5 in October. The markets are expecting a rebound for December, with a forecast of 3 points. Investors are also keeping an eye on the third-quarter inflation report, which will be released on Wednesday. CPI is expected to ease to 2.5% from 2.8%. This is the final tier-1 event prior to the Reserve Bank of Australia's rate meeting on Feb. 18. AUD/USD is testing support at 0.6284. Below, there is support at 0.6256 0.6308 and 0.6336 are the next resistance line
by OANDA
Can Turkey's Lira Dance with the Dollar?Turkey stands at a pivotal moment in its economic journey, navigating through the complexities of fiscal management and monetary policy to stabilize the Turkish Lira against the US Dollar. The nation has embarked on a strategic pivot towards domestic funding, significantly increasing the issuance of Turkish Government Bonds to manage soaring inflation and debt service costs. This approach, while stabilizing in relative terms, challenges Turkey to balance between stimulating growth and controlling inflation, a dance that requires both precision and foresight. The Central Bank of Turkey's decision to cut rates amidst rising inflation paints a picture of calculated risk and strategic optimism. The bank is threading a needle between fostering economic activity and maintaining price stability by targeting a reduction in inflation over the medium term while allowing short-term increases. This policy shift, coupled with a focus on local funding, not only aims to reduce external vulnerabilities but also tests the resilience of Turkey's economy against global economic currents, including the impact of international political changes like the US election. Globally, the economic landscape is fraught with uncertainties, and Turkey's strategy of maintaining a stable credit rating while forecasting a decrease in inflation sets an intriguing stage. The country's ability to attract investment while managing its debt profile, especially in light of global monetary policy shifts by major players like the Federal Reserve and the ECB, will be a testament to its economic stewardship. This narrative invites readers to delve deeper into how Turkey might leverage its economic policies to not only survive but thrive in a fluctuating global market. The enigma of the USD/TRY exchange rate thus becomes a compelling study of economic strategy, where every policy decision is a move in a larger game of financial chess. Turkey's attempt to balance its books while dancing with the dollar challenges conventional economic wisdom and invites observers to ponder: Can a nation truly master its currency's fate in the global marketplace?
Long
by UDIS_View
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