Key Points
- The Japanese Yen slips for a fifth consecutive day, touching a one-and-half-week lowest.
- Governor Kazuo Ueda presents a bleaker economic view, but the BoJ sticks to ultra-loose monetary policy, which impacts the domestic economy and USD/JPY.
- Speculations arise on BoJ reconsidering negative interest rates by April/March due to positive spring wage talks and Federal Reserve uncertainties.
- Technical indicators suggest potential gains for USD/JPY, with a possible breach of key resistance levels towards 150.00, supported by positive oscillators.
The Japanese Yen is at the heart of global financial discourse as the Bank of Japan (BoJ) steadfastly continues its super-easy monetary policy amid shifting economic landscapes. Last week, Governor Kazuo Ueda delivered a bleaker economic assessment than anticipated, casting shadows over the nation’s financial future. Additionally, the unscheduled bond operation announcement complicates Yen’s valuation against the dollar, creating a complex financial landscape.
BoJ Sticks to Easy Policy Amid Economic Gloom
In an unexpected turn of events, Governor Kazuo Ueda presented a more pessimistic view of Japan’s economy. Despite concerns, the BoJ signalled no immediate shifts, hinting at the ongoing continuation of its ultra-loose monetary policy framework. This decision is crucial as it impacts domestic economic health and international currency dynamics, particularly the USD/JPY pair.
USD/JPY Hits 1.5-Week Low, Japanese Yen Down 5 Days Straight
The Yen has been on a downward trajectory against the US dollar, marking its fifth consecutive day of decline. This movement saw the currency pair drop to a one-and-a-half-week low, even pushing beyond the 149.00 mark last week. Such trends underscore the volatile nature of this currency pair and its susceptibility to policy changes and economic forecasts.
April/March: BoJ’s Potential Policy Pivot
Speculations abound that, by April or March, BoJ, encouraged by spring wage talks’ positive outcomes, may revisit negative interest rates. Moreover, the uncertainty surrounding the Federal Reserve’s rate cut path has led to subdued USD demand. Traders are keenly awaiting the BoJ’s decision on Tuesday and the outcome of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) policy meeting on Wednesday for further direction.
Technical Outlook: USD/JPY Could Breach 150.00
Technical indicators suggest a potential for further gains in the USD/JPY pair. Especially if it crosses the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement of the February to March downfall. With oscillators on the daily chart gaining positive traction, the pair could appreciate towards the 149.75-149.80 region. There is a possibility of breaching the 150.00 mark towards the 150.65-150.70 area, up to the 151.00 year-to-date peak observed on February 13.
Support at 149: Japanese Yen’s Key Levels to Watch
As the pair navigates through turbulent waters, immediate downside support lies at the 149.00 mark, with further support near 148.30, followed by 148.00. A descent below 148.00 could target the 100-day SMA near 147.65, potentially reaching the 147.00 mark and the monthly low around 146.50-146.45.
