- The Japanese Yen appreciates as increasing Tokyo inflation figures strengthen the BoJ’s hawkish stance on its policy outlook.
- Tokyo's CPI rose to 2.6% YoY in August, up from 2.2% in July.
- The US Dollar holds its ground following stronger-than-expected economic data from Thursday.
The Japanese Yen (JPY) retraces its recent gains against the US Dollar (USD) following the Tokyo Consumer Price Index (CPI) data released on Friday. The increase in Tokyo inflation strengthens the Bank of Japan’s (BoJ) hawkish monetary policy stance, supporting the JPY and putting downward pressure on the USD/JPY pair.
Tokyo's Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased to 2.6% year-on-year in August, up from 2.2% in July. Core CPI also rose to 1.6% YoY in August, compared to the previous 1.5%. Additionally, Japan’s Unemployment Rate unexpectedly climbed to 2.7% in July, up from both the market estimate and June's 2.5%, marking the highest jobless rate since August 2023.
The downside for the USD/JPY pair may be capped, as the US Dollar maintains its recent gains following stronger-than-expected economic data released on Thursday. However, dovish remarks from the Federal Reserve could constrain further gains for the Greenback.
Investors await July’s US Personal Consumption Expenditure (PCE) Price Index scheduled to be released later in the North American Session, seeking clues about the future direction of US interest rates.
Daily Digest Market Movers: Japanese Yen inches higher following Tokyo inflation data
- According to the CME FedWatch Tool, markets are fully anticipating at least a 25 basis point (bps) rate cut by the Fed at its September meeting.
- Federal Reserve Atlanta President Raphael Bostic, a prominent hawk on the FOMC, indicated on Thursday that it might be "time to move" on rate cuts due to further cooling inflation and a higher-than-expected unemployment rate. However, he wants to wait for confirmation from the upcoming monthly jobs report and two inflation reports before the Fed's September meeting.
- The US Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew at an annualized rate of 3.0% in the second quarter, exceeding both the expected and previous growth rate of 2.8%. Additionally, Initial Jobless Claims showed that the number of people filing for unemployment benefits fell to 231,000 for the week ending August 23, down from the previous 233,000 and slightly below the expected 232,000.
- US Core Personal Consumption Expenditures (QoQ), the Federal Reserve's preferred measure of underlying inflation, increased by 2.8% in the second quarter, slightly below the market forecast of 2.9%. This marks a significant deceleration from the 3.7% growth observed in the first quarter.
- Japan’s Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki stated on Tuesday that foreign exchange rates are influenced by a variety of factors, including monetary policies, interest rate differentials, geopolitical risks, and market sentiment. Suzuki added that it is difficult to predict how these factors will impact FX rates.
- Bank of Japan (BoJ) Governor Kazuo Ueda addressed the Japanese parliament on Friday, stating that he is “not considering selling long-term Japanese government bonds (JGBs) as a tool for adjusting interest rates.” He noted that any reduction in JGB purchases would only account for about 7-8% of the balance sheet, which is a relatively small decrease. Ueda added that if the economy aligns with their projections, there could be a phase where they might adjust interest rates slightly further.
Technical Analysis: USD/JPY remains below 145.00
USD/JPY trades around 144.80 on Friday. Daily chart analysis indicates that the pair is positioned above the downtrend line, which points to a weakening bearish bias. Nonetheless, the 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) remains above 30, signaling a confirmation of the bearish trend.
On the downside, the USD/JPY pair could test the immediate downtrend line around the level of 144.50. A break below this level could lead the pair to navigate the area around the seven-month low of 141.69, recorded on August 5, followed by the next throwback support at 140.25.
Regarding resistance, the USD/JPY pair may test the immediate barrier at the nine-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) around 145.15. A move above this level could open the door for the pair to approach the resistance area near 154.50.
USD/JPY: Daily Chart
Japanese Yen PRICE Today
The table below shows the percentage change of Japanese Yen (JPY) against listed major currencies today. Japanese Yen was the strongest against the Swiss Franc.
| USD | EUR | GBP | JPY | CAD | AUD | NZD | CHF | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD | -0.00% | -0.05% | -0.01% | 0.00% | -0.09% | 0.00% | 0.06% | |
| EUR | 0.00% | -0.06% | -0.03% | 0.00% | -0.09% | -0.01% | 0.07% | |
| GBP | 0.05% | 0.06% | 0.04% | 0.06% | -0.04% | 0.03% | 0.12% | |
| JPY | 0.01% | 0.03% | -0.04% | 0.04% | -0.05% | 0.03% | 0.11% | |
| CAD | -0.00% | -0.00% | -0.06% | -0.04% | -0.11% | 0.00% | 0.06% | |
| AUD | 0.09% | 0.09% | 0.04% | 0.05% | 0.11% | 0.08% | 0.15% | |
| NZD | -0.01% | 0.00% | -0.03% | -0.03% | -0.00% | -0.08% | 0.07% | |
| CHF | -0.06% | -0.07% | -0.12% | -0.11% | -0.06% | -0.15% | -0.07% |
The heat map shows percentage changes of major currencies against each other. The base currency is picked from the left column, while the quote currency is picked from the top row. For example, if you pick the Japanese Yen from the left column and move along the horizontal line to the US Dollar, the percentage change displayed in the box will represent JPY (base)/USD (quote).
Bank of Japan FAQs
The Bank of Japan (BoJ) is the Japanese central bank, which sets monetary policy in the country. Its mandate is to issue banknotes and carry out currency and monetary control to ensure price stability, which means an inflation target of around 2%.
The Bank of Japan has embarked in an ultra-loose monetary policy since 2013 in order to stimulate the economy and fuel inflation amid a low-inflationary environment. The bank’s policy is based on Quantitative and Qualitative Easing (QQE), or printing notes to buy assets such as government or corporate bonds to provide liquidity. In 2016, the bank doubled down on its strategy and further loosened policy by first introducing negative interest rates and then directly controlling the yield of its 10-year government bonds.
The Bank’s massive stimulus has caused the Yen to depreciate against its main currency peers. This process has exacerbated more recently due to an increasing policy divergence between the Bank of Japan and other main central banks, which have opted to increase interest rates sharply to fight decades-high levels of inflation. The BoJ’s policy of holding down rates has led to a widening differential with other currencies, dragging down the value of the Yen.
A weaker Yen and the spike in global energy prices have led to an increase in Japanese inflation, which has exceeded the BoJ’s 2% target. With wage inflation becoming a cause of concern, the BoJ looks to move away from ultra loose policy, while trying to avoid slowing the activity too much.
Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page.
If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet.
FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted.
The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice.
Recommended content
Editors’ Picks
EUR/USD grinds higher toward 1.1200 ahead of EU, US inflation data
EUR/USD has picked up fresh demand and heads toward 1.1200 in European trading on Friday. The upbeat market mood and a steady US Dollar underpin the pair but the further upside appears capped ahead of the critical Eurozone and US inflation data releases.
GBP/USD advances toward 1.3200 ahead of US PCE data
GBP/USD is gaining ground in the European trading hours on Friday, approaching 1.3200 as risk sentiment remains in a sweeter spot. Traders, however, could refrain from placing further bets on the pair ahead of the all-important US PCE inflation data.
Gold unfolds mini-range after strong US data caps upside
Gold edges lower to trade in the $2,510s on Friday as safe-haven demand dries up. Asian stocks are higher after market sentiment turned positive following the release of surprisingly upbeat data from the US, which suggested the economy is unlikely to be heading for a hard landing.
Easing Eurozone inflation to back an ECB rate cut in September Premium
Eurostat will publish the preliminary estimate of the August Eurozone Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices on Friday, and the anticipated outcome will back up the case for another European Central Bank interest rate cut when policymakers meet in September.
Bitcoin struggles below $60,000 mark
Bitcoin and Ripple prices hover around their critical support level; closing below could signal a decline ahead. While the Ethereum price finds rejection around its resistance level, eyeing a bearish move on the horizon.
Moneta Markets review 2024: All you need to know
VERIFIED In this review, the FXStreet team provides an independent and thorough analysis based on direct testing and real experiences with Moneta Markets – an excellent broker for novice to intermediate forex traders who want to broaden their knowledge base.