- USD/JPY struggles to capitalize on its modest intraday uptick on Wednesday to a one-week high.
- The anti-risk flow benefits the JPY and caps the upside amid a modest fall in the US bond yields.
- Strong follow-through USD buying offers some support ahead of the key FOMC policy decision.
The USD/JPY pair struggles to find acceptance above the 144.00 mark and retreats from a one-week high touched this Wednesday. The pair slides back below mid-143.00s during the early European session and is pressured by reviving demand for the safe-haven Japanese yen, though lacks follow-through selling.
The market sentiment remains fragile amid concerns that rapidly rising interest rates will lead to a deeper global economic downturn. Apart from this, headwinds stemming from China's zero-covid policy and the protracted Russia-Ukraine war have been fueling recession fears. This, in turn, tempers investors' appetite for riskier assets and is driving haven flows towards the JPY.
The anti-risk flow is reinforced by a modest pullback in the US Treasury bond yields, which is seen as another factor exerting some downward pressure on the USD/JPY pair. That said, a strong pickup in the US dollar demand, bolstered by hawkish Fed expectations, should continue to lend support to spot prices and help limit deeper losses ahead of the key central bank event risks.
The Federal Reserve is scheduled to announce its decision at the end of a two-day policy meeting on Wednesday and is widely expected to deliver another supersized 75 bps rate increase. The markets also seem convinced that the US central bank will stick to its aggressive rate-hiking cycle to tame inflation, which should act as a tailwind for the US bond yields and the greenback.
Hence, the focus will remain glued to the updated economic projections, the so-called dot plot and Fed Chair Jerome Powell's comments at the post-meeting press conference. Investors will look for fresh clues about the future rate hike path. This, in turn, will play a key role in influencing the USD price dynamics and help determine the near-term trajectory for the USD/JPY pair.
This will be followed by the Bank of Japan meeting on Thursday. The Japanese central bank remains committed to maintaining ultra-low interest rates and dovish policy guidance. This marks a big divergence from a more hawkish stance adopted by other major central banks, which supports prospects for an extension of the USD/JPY pair's recent strong appreciating move.
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
EUR/USD retreats toward 1.0850 despite weak US employment data
EUR/USD loses its traction and declines toward 1.0850 after testing 1.0900 earlier in the session. Because Nonfarm Payrolls data for October missed the market expectation by a wide margin due to hurricanes and strikes, the US Dollar manages to hold its ground.
GBP/USD climbs above 1.2950, looks to end week little changed
GBP/USD benefits from the improving risk mood and trades in positive territory above 1.2950 in the American session on Friday as markets ignore the weak labor market data from the US. The pair remains on track to end the week flat.
Gold clings to small gains near $2,750 after US data
Gold clings to marginal recovery gains and trades slightly above $2,750. The 10-year US Treasury bond yield struggles to push higher after the dismal October jobs report and weaker-than-expected PMI data from the US, helping XAU/USD keep it footing.
Bitcoin Weekly Forecast: Run toward fresh all-time high hinges on US presidential election results
Bitcoin could experience a price pullback in the next few days ahead of the US presidential election, analysts say, an event that will be key to determining whether and how the crypto class will be regulated in the years to come.
Bank of Japan holds rates steady amid signs of modest GDP growth
Monthly industrial production results have been mixed but generally indicate a modest recovery in third-quarter GDP. Clear guidance from the Bank of Japan remains elusive, with each upcoming meeting being pivotal.
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.