empty
13.06.2024 12:28 AM
A decline in US inflation will allow the yen to initiate a bearish USD/JPY reversal

The US Consumer Price Index declined to 3.3% on a yearly basis in May from 3.4% in April, while the core index fell even more sharply from 3.6% to 3.4%. The slowdown in inflation completely offset the effect of the strong labor market. The bond market responded with a sharp decline in yields, and the likelihood of the first Federal Reserve rate cut in September has risen significantly.

This image is no longer relevant

The Federal Reserve held its meeting on Wednesday. The interest rate was expected to remain unchanged, but economic forecasts and the rate trajectory were highly likely to be revised. This signals a potential weakness for the US dollar, and we expected volatility to spike following the meeting.

The Bank of Japan will hold its meeting on Friday. A 0.1% rate hike is not expected, but the Bank may announce a program to reduce bond purchases. Such a decision would be the BOJ's first clear step towards quantitative tightening after abandoning the large-scale stimulus program in March and it could be the start to policy normalization. Although the Bank states that it does not target foreign exchange rates, a change in the bond purchase regime or a clear hawkish signal would work in favor of the yen's growth.

Forecasts vary widely. If the BOJ is too cautious, the yen may weaken further and head towards the 160 level, where intervention to prevent further depreciation would likely occur. If the measures are aggressive, bond yields will rise sharply, complicating the government's ability to service its accumulated obligations.

The net short JPY position decreased by $1.75 billion to -$10.6 billion, indicating that positioning remains strongly bearish but a trend reversal is emerging. However, the price is not falling, suggesting that conditions for a bullish bias on the yen have not yet materialized.

This image is no longer relevant

USD/JPY is trying to resume its uptrend, which happens whenever the BOJ avoids providing specific details about its future course of actions. Japanese bond yields declined amidst growing uncertainty regarding the BOJ's plans. The substantial yield differential objectively forces the use of the Japanese currency in carry trade transactions, and this will continue until the BOJ decides to proceed with raising its rate.

Nevertheless, we believe that buying USD/JPY is too risky due to the high probability of another currency intervention. Therefore, we adhere to the same strategy – sell on rallies. If the pair rises above 159, the threat of intervention will increase significantly. While the pair remains below this level, local bullish impulses are possible.

Kuvat Raharjo,
Analytical expert of InstaForex
© 2007-2025
Select timeframe
5
min
15
min
30
min
1
hour
4
hours
1
day
1
week
Earn on cryptocurrency rate changes with InstaForex
Download MetaTrader 4 and open your first trade
  • Grand Choice
    Contest by
    InstaForex
    InstaForex always strives to help you
    fulfill your biggest dreams.
    JOIN CONTEST

Recommended Stories

EUR/USD. What Do the June Nonfarm Payrolls Tell Us?

The U.S. labor market report published on Thursday turned out to be quite contradictory, although the market interpreted it in favor of the American currency. Looking ahead, it is worth

Irina Manzenko 00:48 2025-07-04 UTC+2

USD/JPY. Analysis and Forecast

The USD/JPY pair remains under pressure despite the U.S. dollar posting moderate gains for a second consecutive day, approaching the 144.00 level. Improved global risk sentiment following the trade agreement

Irina Yanina 15:01 2025-07-03 UTC+2

XAU/USD. Analysis and Forecast

Gold prices are struggling to gain momentum after a moderate intraday rebound from the $3340 level. Traders remain cautious, preferring to await the release of the U.S. Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP)

Irina Yanina 12:21 2025-07-03 UTC+2

EUR/JPY. Analysis and Forecast

consecutive day, once again approaching the yearly high reached earlier this week.The trade agreement between the United States and Vietnam has eased concerns over a prolonged trade conflict, increasing investor

Irina Yanina 12:13 2025-07-03 UTC+2

Good News Will Support Stock Markets and Token Demand (Potential Upside for Bitcoin and #NDX)

The market has ignored extremely weak employment data from ADP, focusing its attention on other factors. The ADP report released on Wednesday showed a significant slowdown in the U.S. private

Pati Gani 10:40 2025-07-03 UTC+2

Trump Targets China Through Vietnam

Yesterday, it was revealed that President Donald Trump had reached a trade agreement with Vietnam. This came after several weeks of intense diplomatic negotiations between the two countries and just

Jakub Novak 10:00 2025-07-03 UTC+2

A Wake-Up Call for the U.S. Economy

Yesterday's U.S. employment data served as a wake-up call for the American economy. According to the report, the number of employed persons declined in June for the first time

Jakub Novak 09:55 2025-07-03 UTC+2

The Market Bets on Profits

The market remains confident in a positive future. It hears only what it wants to hear. Negative news is ignored, allowing the S&P 500 to set new records. It doesn't

Marek Petkovich 09:35 2025-07-03 UTC+2

What to Pay Attention to on July 3? A Breakdown of Fundamental Events for Beginners

A significant number of macroeconomic reports are scheduled for release on Thursday, including some key reports. As a reminder, U.S. labor market and unemployment data are typically released on Friday

Paolo Greco 06:53 2025-07-03 UTC+2

GBP/USD Overview – July 3: Jerome Powell Finally Responded to Trump

The GBP/USD currency pair plummeted on Wednesday like a stone. However, every drop in the pair eventually gives way to a much stronger rise. Therefore, at this point, there's

Paolo Greco 03:45 2025-07-03 UTC+2
Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
Widget callback
 

Dear visitor,

Your IP address shows that you are currently located in the USA. If you are a resident of the United States, you are prohibited from using the services of InstaFintech Group including online trading, online transfers, deposit/withdrawal of funds, etc.

If you think you are seeing this message by mistake and your location is not the US, kindly proceed to the website. Otherwise, you must leave the website in order to comply with government restrictions.

Why does your IP address show your location as the USA?

  • - you are using a VPN provided by a hosting company based in the United States;
  • - your IP does not have proper WHOIS records;
  • - an error occurred in the WHOIS geolocation database.

Please confirm whether you are a US resident or not by clicking the relevant button below. If you choose the wrong option, being a US resident, you will not be able to open an account with InstaForex anyway.

We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by this message.