USD/JPY Price Analysis – Aug 29, 2024
Daily Price Outlook
During the European trading session, the USD/JPY currency pair fluctuated around the 144.60 level. This range-bound behavior is expected to change with the upcoming US PCE inflation report and Japanese economic data.
The US PCE report could drive significant movement in the USD depending on the inflation figures.
Additionally, anticipated policy shifts from the Bank of Japan and the release of Tokyo CPI data may bolster the JPY. Traders are closely monitoring these factors to predict the future direction of the USD/JPY pair.
Market Focus: US PCE Inflation Report and Fed Policy Speculation Amid Upcoming Data Releases
On the US front, the market's focus is on the PCE inflation report, which is anticipated to drive the next major move in the US Dollar (USD).
The report will significantly influence speculation regarding the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) September policy meeting. According to the CME FedWatch tool, there is a strong expectation for the Fed to pivot towards policy normalization in September.
However, traders are divided on the magnitude of potential interest rate cuts, with the 30-day Federal Funds Futures pricing tool showing a 34.5% chance of a 50 basis points (bps) cut, while others favor a 25 bps reduction.
In addition, investors are closely monitoring revised estimates for Q2 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Initial Jobless Claims data for the week ending August 23.
The jobless claims data is particularly important as the Fed is increasingly concerned about weakening labor market conditions.
Japanese Yen Boosted by BoJ Rate Hike Expectations and Anticipation of Tokyo CPI Data
On the Japanese front, expectations of further interest rate hikes by the Bank of Japan (BoJ) are bolstering the Japanese Yen (JPY). BoJ Deputy Governor Ryozo Himino reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to adjusting monetary easing if economic activity and prices align with projections.
Additionally, investors are awaiting the Tokyo Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for August, scheduled for release on Friday, with forecasts predicting a steady 2.2% growth in the CPI, excluding Fresh Food.
USD/JPY - Technical Analysis
The USD/JPY pair is currently trading at 144.518, down by 0.06% as it flirts with the key pivot point set at 144.699.
This level will be crucial in determining the pair’s next move. The pair is trading near its 50-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) at 144.505, which is acting as a critical support level.
The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is at a neutral 50, indicating a balanced market without a clear momentum bias at this point.
If the pair fails to hold above the 144.699 pivot point, immediate support is expected at 143.686, followed by deeper levels at 142.903 and 142.119. A sustained drop below these support levels could intensify the bearish sentiment, potentially leading to further declines.
Traders may consider entering a short position below 144.757, targeting 143.717 as the take-profit level while placing a stop-loss at 145.276 to manage risk.
On the upside, resistance starts at 145.303, a level that needs to be breached for any bullish momentum to gain traction. If the pair manages to break this resistance, the next targets would be 146.118 and 147.088.
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