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Japanese Yen Weakens Below 150.00 Against USD Amid Mixed Economic Signals

Japanese Yen Weakens Below 150.00 Against USD

Japanese Yen Weakens Below 150.00 Against USD Amid Mixed Economic Signals

The Japanese Yen (JPY) continues to lose ground during Tuesday’s Asian session, with the USD/JPY pair climbing above the critical 150.00 psychological level. A combination of modest US Dollar (USD) strength and market dynamics is driving this movement, although speculation surrounding a potential interest rate hike by the Bank of Japan (BoJ) in December is tempering aggressive JPY bearish sentiment. Additionally, geopolitical risks, declining US Treasury yields, and concerns over US President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed tariff policies add complexity to the currency’s outlook.

Factors Influencing JPY and USD/JPY Dynamics
  1. BoJ Hawkish Expectations:
    Last week’s Tokyo Consumer Price Index (CPI) indicated accelerating inflation, raising expectations of a December rate hike by the BoJ. Governor Kazuo Ueda reiterated that the central bank would adjust monetary easing measures when confident inflation trends toward 2%.
  2. Geopolitical Risks:
    Tensions remain high as Russia escalates military actions in Ukraine, supported by North Korea. Additionally, Trump’s protectionist rhetoric, including opposition to the Nippon Steel-US Steel deal and potential trade wars with major partners, could reignite inflation concerns globally.
  3. US Economic and Monetary Policy:
    The US Federal Reserve’s future rate-cut trajectory remains uncertain. While markets anticipate a 75% probability of a 25-basis-point cut later this month (per CME FedWatch Tool), critical macroeconomic releases, including Friday’s Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) and ISM Manufacturing PMI, are expected to guide expectations. Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s upcoming speech may further clarify the policy outlook.
  4. Yield Dynamics:
    The narrowing yield differential between US and Japanese government bonds, due to falling US Treasury yields, provides a modest tailwind for the JPY. However, this has not been sufficient to offset the Yen’s overall weakness.
Technical Outlook for USD/JPY

Support Levels:

  • The pair rebounded from its 100-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) near 149.00, a critical support level.
  • A decisive break below this level could expose the 50% Fibonacci retracement at 148.20 and subsequently 148.00. Further declines may test the 61.8% Fibonacci level around 147.00.

Resistance Levels:

  • Immediate resistance is seen near 150.75 and 151.00.
  • A sustained move beyond these levels could lead to a short-covering rally toward 151.65 and 152.00, where the 200-day SMA is positioned. A break above this pivot point would signal renewed bullish momentum.
Market Sentiment: Mixed Signals Limit Clear Direction

While the USD/JPY pair shows strength above 150.00, lingering uncertainties surrounding US monetary policy, geopolitical tensions, and BoJ rate decisions suggest the pair is not yet out of the woods. Traders will closely monitor upcoming macroeconomic data and central bank commentary for more precise guidance on the pair’s trajectory.