Finance

Japanese Yen Holds Steady Against USD as Traders Anticipate BoJ's Ueda to Spark Movement

2024-11-21

Author: Sarah

The Japanese Yen (JPY) is displaying resilience against the US Dollar (USD), trading close to daily highs, but it lacks the strong bullish sentiment amid lingering uncertainties surrounding the Bank of Japan (BoJ).

Currently, the USD/JPY pair is hovering around the 155.00 level, maintaining modest intraday gains in the Asian session. This stabilized performance is fueled by traders' anticipation of commentary from BoJ Governor Kazuo Ueda, particularly during his upcoming address on Thursday, which could offer fresh insights into potential monetary policy adjustments.

Despite positive global market sentiments and rising US bond yields that typically favor the USD, the JPY is being supported by speculation that Ueda might signal an interest rate hike during the next BoJ policy meeting, scheduled for December 18-19. Investor sentiment is mixed, factoring in the possibility of either a 25-basis-point rate hike or a hold decision at this pivotal meeting.

Recent disturbances in global governance have also swayed market perspectives, as comments from officials in Russia and the US have alleviated fears of geopolitical escalation, traditionally a boon for safe-haven assets like the JPY. Meanwhile, US President-elect Donald Trump's indicated policies are expected to exert upward pressure on inflation, which could lengthen the Federal Reserve's timeline for interest rate cuts, consequently benefiting the USD and risking limitations on JPY strength.

“Traders are keenly eyeing Ueda’s remarks which could trigger movements in the JPY, providing critical guidance on the BoJ’s tightening strategy,” stated market analyst experts.

Additionally, a substantial economic response has been hinted by Japan’s Economic Revitalization Minister, with a proposed economic package valued at approximately 21.9 trillion yen, aiming to bolster Japan's struggling economy amidst rising inflation pressures.

Technical analysis suggests that the USD/JPY may find solid support near the 100-period Simple Moving Average (SMA) on the 4-hour chart. Recent trends indicate resilience around the 154.65-154.60 range, implying that any declines may present buying opportunities. If the pair breaks below the 154.00 threshold, however, it could expose further downward movement towards the weekly low of around 153.25.

On the upside, traders are looking for potential resistance at the daily peak of around 155.40, positioning the market for a possible challenge of the significant resistance level at 156.00. Momentum beyond this level could pave the way for a retest of last week's multi-month high near 156.75.

In summary, all eyes are on BoJ Governor Kazuo Ueda, whose forthcoming statements may define the trajectory of the Japanese Yen. As the global economic landscape continues to evolve, the interplay between US inflation, Fed policy, and BoJ strategies will undoubtedly shape market movements in the coming weeks.