- USD/JPY struggles to gain any meaningful traction and remains confined in a range.
- A combination of factors underpins the JPY and acts as a headwind for the major.
- The Fed-BoJ policy divergence, relentless USD buying continue to extend support.
The USD/JPY pair extends its consolidative price move and remains confined in the 144.50-145.00 broader trading range through the early European session on Wednesday.
The Bank of Japan July policy meeting minutes released on Wednesday revealed an agreement among policymakers about the need to scrutinize how the yen's recent sharp depreciation could impact inflation. This comes on the back of direct intervention by authorities to stem the rapid fall in the domestic currency and offers some support to the Japanese yen, which, in turn, acts as a headwind for the USD/JPY pair.
The BoJ, however, reiterated its commitment to stick to the ultra-lose policy stance. In contrast, Fed officials struck a more hawkish tone on Tuesday and reaffirmed expectations that the US central bank will hike interest rates at a faster pace to curb stubbornly high inflation. This marks a big Fed-BoJ policy divergence, which continues to undermine the JPY and offers some support to the USD/JPY pair.
The Fed's hawkish outlook, meanwhile, lifts the US dollar to a fresh two-decade high. Adding to this, a further rise in the US Treasury bond yields contributes to the strong bid tone around the greenback and limits the downside for the USD/JPY pair. The fundamental backdrop supports prospects for additional near-term gains, though failure to make it through the 145.00 psychological mark warrants caution.
Market participants now look forward to the release of the US Pending Home Sales data, due later during the early North American session. Traders will further take cues from speeches by influential FOMC members, including Fed Chair Jerome Powell. This, along with the US bond yields, will influence the USD. Apart from this, the broader risk sentiment should provide some impetus to the USD/JPY pair.
Technical levels to watch
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
AUD/USD looks at the RBA for near-term direction
AUD/USD resumed its rebound and briefly surpassed the 0.6600 barrier on the back of the renewed and marked resurgence of the downward bias in the US Dollar. Investors, in the meantime, expect the RBA to keep its rates unchanged on Tuesday.
EUR/USD: Price action hinges on the US election and the Fed
EUR/USD managed to trespass the key 1.0900 hurdle and print new highs following the Greenback’s offered stance as investors warmed up for the US election and the FOMC event later in the week.
Gold trades around $2,730
Gold price is on the defensive below $2,750 in European trading on Monday, erasing the early gains. The downside, however, appears elusive amid the US presidential election risks and the ongoing Middle East geopolitical tensions.
Ethereum Price Forecast: ETH struggles below $2,500 amid State of Michigan pension fund investment in ETH ETF
Ethereum (ETH) is trading near $2,420, down about 1% on Monday, but could bounce off a key descending trendline close to the $2,258 historically high demand zone.
US presidential election outcome: What could it mean for the US Dollar? Premium
The US Dollar has regained lost momentum against its six major rivals at the beginning of the final quarter of 2024, as tensions mount ahead of the highly anticipated United States Presidential election due on November 5.
Best Forex Brokers with Low Spreads
VERIFIED Low spreads are crucial for reducing trading costs. Explore top Forex brokers offering competitive spreads and high leverage. Compare options for EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, and Gold.