Yen Strengthens on Rate Hike Expectations; Euro Tests Recent Lows

FXOpen

USD/JPY

Over the past week, the USD/JPY pair dropped by approximately 500 pips. As anticipated, sellers tested the critical 150.00–149.00 range. This level may serve as the starting point for an upward corrective rebound.

The sharp decline in USD/JPY is likely tied to recent comments from the Bank of Japan’s Governor, Kazuo Ueda, hinting at a potential rate hike soon. He noted that "economic data is progressing as planned." Following Tokyo's inflation data showing an uptick and increased business investments, experts now predict the BoJ may raise rates by 0.5% at its December meeting.

Technical analysis suggests USD/JPY may begin an upward correction after its sharp fall, as a reversal "doji" candlestick pattern has formed on the daily timeframe.

If the 149.00–148.60 range holds as support, the pair could strengthen towards 151.50–151.00. However, a break below yesterday’s low may resume the downtrend towards 147.00–146.00.

Key upcoming events for USD/JPY in the next trading sessions include:

  • 16:15 (GMT +3): ADP Non-Farm Employment Change (US)
  • 17:45 (GMT +3): US Services PMI
  • 18:00 (GMT +3): ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI (US)

EUR/USD

The euro remains under pressure. In addition to the threat of US-imposed trade tariffs, concerns over the French government have emerged. A political crisis could result in the government’s resignation, exerting further downward pressure on EUR/USD.

Currently trading near 1.0500, the pair may see an upward correction towards 1.0700–1.0600 if buyers manage to push it above the 1.0600–1.0540 zone. However, another rejection at 1.0540 could lead to fresh lows around 1.0340.

Trade over 50 forex markets 24 hours a day with FXOpen. Take advantage of low commissions, deep liquidity, and spreads from 0.0 pips. Open your FXOpen account now or learn more about trading forex with FXOpen.

This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

Stay ahead of the market!

Subscribe now to our mailing list and receive the latest market news and insights delivered directly to your inbox.

forex

Forex Trading with FXOpen

Forex Trading with FXOpen

Experience ECN technology for deep liquidity and light-speed trade execution

  • Access over 50 markets
  • Trade with spreads from 0.0 pips
  • Take advantage of commissions from $1.50/lot
Learn more

Latest articles

Commodities

Natural Gas Prices Fell in Late December

On 4 December, while analysing the XNG/USD chart, we highlighted the rally in natural gas prices towards a three-year high and noted that the price had entered a resistance zone formed by:

→ the upper boundary of a broad descending

Framing Effect in Investing and Trading
Trader’s Tools

Framing Effect in Investing and Trading

Commodities

Gold Price Analysis: Price Retreats From Record Highs

As the XAU/USD chart shows, gold rallied yesterday to near its October all-time high around the 4,380 level, before pulling back (as indicated by the arrow).

The surge in volatility was driven by a combination of factors:

→ Expectations

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 60% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.