USD/JPY TESTS RESISTANCE AMID BOJ CAUTION, FED OUTLOOK

37
In the wake of the escalating geopolitical tension in the Middle East, markets have been reacting sharply. Focusing on USDJPY pair, as the conflict shows signs of intensifying, investors turned to traditional safe-haven assets notably the Japanese yen amid fears of a broader regional spillover.
Beyond geopolitical tension in the Middle East, both economies are set to announce their interest rate decisions this week alongside economic outlook. At the end of Bank of Japan two days policy meeting earlier today, the Yen became a little stronger after the Bank of Japan said that it would keep interest rates at 0.5% and that it would slow down the process of reducing its balance sheet in 2025. BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda maintained a cautious tone, noting global risks and keeping the door open for further policy tightening if needed.
On the other hand, the U.S., the retail sale would be on the wire by 4:30 PM GMT+4 (Dubai time). This key economic indicator will offer details about consumer spending trends, a major driver of the U.S. economy. Markets will closely watch the data for signs of economic strength or weakness, as it could influence expectations around future Federal Reserve policy decisions.
While the most important on the calendar, is that Fed committee is due to convene today for a two-day policy meeting, which would end on Wednesday the 18th.Meanwhile, Markets has priced in 99.9% for the rate unchanged at 4.25-4.50%.

TECHNICAL VIEW OF USDJPY; AND PRICE LEVELS TO WATCH OUT
Away from the fundamental drivers, the USD/JPY pair initially dropped on Friday the 13th and was resisted around 142.79 as risk aversion drove demand for the yen. However, the move was tempered by ongoing strength in the U.S. dollar, underpinned by resilient U.S. economic data and expectations the Federal Reserve may keep interest rates higher for longer, hence the change of character (CHOCH) at 143.89, hence the reversal of trend from downtrend to uptrend on the one-hour time frame, whereby price is seen trading inside the channel with the green trendline acting as support and the red, resistance. The pair was recently supported at 144.40 and hovers around 145.
In view of the economic releases, a break above 145.00 would likely usher in 145.40 and 145.80, while a break below 144.40 would mean that the bears are momentarily in control and price would potentially tank further towards 144.00 and 143.50 according to analyst, meanwhile break out of these levels are not ruled out.

Disclaimer

The information and publications are not meant to be, and do not constitute, financial, investment, trading, or other types of advice or recommendations supplied or endorsed by TradingView. Read more in the Terms of Use.