USDJPY:
Fading hopes of a Bank of Japan rate hike in December are putting the JPY bulls on the defensive. Higher U.S. bond yields are supporting the dollar and putting pressure on the low-yielding yen.
The Japanese yen (JPY) continues to defend against its U.S. counterpart, lifting the USD/JPY pair closer to 153.00 or a new monthly peak during the Asian session on Friday. Recent media reports suggest that the Bank of Japan (BoJ) will not raise interest rates at its upcoming meeting next week, which in turn continues to undermine the Yen. In addition, expectations that the Federal Reserve (Fed) will be less dovish continue to support rising US Treasury yields and put further pressure on the low-yielding yen.
Meanwhile, the Bank of Japan’s quarterly Tankan survey released today showed that business confidence of Japan’s major manufacturers improved slightly in the fourth quarter of 2024. This fits well with the central bank’s plans to gradually raise interest rates and could deter yen bears from aggressive bets. In addition, lingering geopolitical risks and concerns over US President-elect Donald Trump’s tariff plans should help limit losses for the safe-haven yen ahead of next week’s key central bank events – the Fed and Bank of Japan meetings.
Trading recommendation: Watch the level of 153.00, trading mainly with Buy orders.
Origin: FreshForex
