Yen under pressure amid dollar correction and domestic challenges

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The Japanese Yen (JPY) broke its four-day winning streak as the US Dollar (USD) retreated from its yearly highs. Despite this, Japan's weaker-than-expected Q3 GDP figures and global uncertainties continue to weigh on the Yen. Market participants eye technical levels in the USD/JPY pair, while awaiting updates on U.S. retail sales data and Japanese fiscal policy.

The Economic Context: Japan's Slowing Growth and Policy Uncertainty
Japan's Q3 GDP growth slowed to 0.9% annualized, down from 2.2% in Q2, reflecting a sluggish recovery. The quarterly growth rate fell to 0.2%, aligning with market expectations but marking a significant decline from Q2’s 0.5%.

Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato reaffirmed a commitment to stabilizing foreign exchange rates, emphasizing economic fundamentals, while Economy Minister Ryosei Akazawa highlighted modest recovery prospects amidst rising global risks. Meanwhile, Japan's Producer Price Index (PPI) rose 3.4% YoY in October, exceeding market forecasts of 3.0%, signaling persistent inflationary pressures.

Global Drivers: US Dollar Correction and Fed Signals
The US Dollar Index (DXY) pulled back from its yearly high of 107.06 to trade near 106.70, driven by a slowdown in "Trump trades." Positive US economic indicators, including a 2.4% YoY increase in October’s Producer Price Index (PPI) and a steady 2.6% YoY rise in Consumer Price Index (CPI), continue to support the Fed’s cautious outlook. While Fed Chair Jerome Powell expressed optimism about the US economy, the path of rate adjustments remains a focal point.

Technical Analysis: USD/JPY Eyes Key Levels
The USD/JPY pair trades around 156.50, maintaining a bullish bias within an ascending channel pattern. The 14-day RSI, slightly below the 70 level, signals potential overbought conditions, which could lead to a short-term correction.

Upside Targets:
The upper boundary of the channel near 159.70. A breakout above this could push the pair to its four-month high of 161.69.
Downside Support: The 9-day EMA at 154.65. Further support at the lower boundary of the channel near 153.90. Strategic Insights: Operational Ideas for Traders
Short-Term Plays: Traders could consider range trading between the ascending channel boundaries, keeping an eye on RSI levels for potential reversals.
Breakout Scenarios: A sustained break above 159.70 might signal an extended rally toward 161.69, creating opportunities for momentum trades.
Risk-Managed Entries: Pullbacks near 154.65 or 153.90 could provide favorable entry points for long positions, provided bullish momentum persists.

The Japanese Yen remains under pressure as domestic growth slows and external risks mount. Meanwhile, the USD/JPY pair offers actionable trading opportunities, driven by technical signals and global macroeconomic trends. Investors should remain vigilant, balancing opportunities with the potential risks from volatile markets and policy shifts.