USDJPY to Soar Even Higher – Looking to Reach the Levels of 157/160.000

Amidst the ongoing yen depreciation against the US dollar, the pressure intensifies on Japanese policymakers to translate their verbal assurances into concrete measures. Despite repeated pledges to monitor forex movements closely and take appropriate action, the yen's downward trajectory remains unabated. Notably, the reluctance to intervene directly in the foreign exchange market raises doubts among investors regarding the government's commitment to support the yen amidst rising US yields and a strengthening dollar. As Finance Minister Suzuki reiterates the readiness for intervention, the failure to curb the yen's decline underscores the growing scepticism among market participants, who increasingly demand tangible policy actions to stem the currency's slide.

JPY Is Being Short Squeezed by Institutions

The global economic landscape presents formidable challenges for Japanese authorities, with signs of robust growth momentum outside of Japan. Business confidence surveys from Europe suggest a resurgence in economic activity, contributing to the upward pressure on yields. Anticipation of strong US GDP growth in Q1 reinforces this trend, prompting market participants to recalibrate their expectations for rate cuts from major central banks. With the US and euro-zone markets pricing in minimal cuts, doubts linger over the efficacy of intervention in bolstering the yen amidst prevailing market dynamics.

In contrast, the euro exhibits resilience against the US dollar, maintaining its position within a defined trading range despite widening policy differentials between the ECB and the Fed. While short-term yield spreads favour the US, the euro's relative strength belies conventional expectations. ECB officials signal a gradual path towards rate cuts in June, contingent upon economic developments and geopolitical risks. However, concerns persist regarding the potential impact of escalating energy prices on inflation dynamics and currency stability, potentially complicating the ECB's policy stance.

Lower rates in the euro-zone are poised to alleviate growth headwinds, with early indicators suggesting a nascent recovery in economic sentiment. Stronger business confidence in key Eurozone economies underscores the potential for sustained growth momentum, providing a tailwind for the euro. Consequently, the euro's descent towards previous lows encounters resistance, bolstered by the reversal of negative energy price shocks. This mitigating factor, coupled with improving economic prospects, underscores the euro's resilience against external headwinds, challenging conventional narratives of currency depreciation.

This content may have been written by a third party. ACY makes no representation or warranty and assumes no liability as to the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, nor any loss arising from any investment based on a recommendation, forecast or other information supplied by any third-party. This content is information only, and does not constitute financial, investment or other advice on which you can rely.