USD/JPY is experiencing a correction phase following two days of gains as mixed economic signals emerge from Japan. Despite ongoing expectations for monetary tightening by the Bank of Japan (BoJ), the yen faces downward pressure from a slowdown in domestic inflation, potentially dampening the urgency for immediate rate hikes.
Japan's consumer prices increased by 2.5% year-on-year in September, marking a decrease from the 3.0% inflation rate recorded in August. This slowdown has been the first since March of this year and represents the lowest inflation level since April of this year. The core inflation index, a key metric for the BoJ, rose by 2.4%, down from 2.8% in August, yet has remained above the BoJ's target of 2.0% for 30 consecutive months. Notably, inflation excluding food and energy was recorded at 2.1% in September, a slight increase from 2.0% in August.
Recent comments from BoJ board member Seiji Adachi suggest a preference for moderate rate adjustments, reflecting concerns over global economic uncertainty and the domestic pace of wage increases. Additionally, the yen's persistent weakness has drawn attention from Japan's top currency diplomat, Atsushi Mimura, who reiterated the government's focus on monitoring exchange rate fluctuations and its stance against excessive volatility.
USD/JPY technical analysis
The USD/JPY pair recently peaked at 150.30 and is now forming a decline towards 149.75, testing this level from above. Looking ahead, we anticipate a potential resurgence towards 151.15. A successful breach of this level could open the way to 152.09. Conversely, a drop below 149.70 could trigger a further correction down to 147.70. The MACD indicator supports this potential upward trajectory, with the signal line positioned above zero and poised to reach new highs.
On the hourly chart, USD/JPY has established a consolidation range between 149.75 and 150.30. The current market dynamics suggest a correction towards 149.75. However, following this correction, there is a potential for a rebound to 150.65, setting the stage for an extended rise to 151.15. This bullish outlook is corroborated by the Stochastic oscillator, with its signal line advancing from 20 towards 80, indicating a strengthening momentum for upward movement.
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