USD/JPY analysis on November 21, 2024
During the Asian session, USD/JPY is consolidating near the level of 155.00, which is mainly facilitated by John Murphy's technical analysis factors, while fundamental conditions remain stable. After Donald Trump's victory in the presidential election, market participants are investing more actively in the US dollar, linking its policy with a possible increase in tariffs and an increase in inflationary risks. This may limit the pace of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve (Fed), as inflation is already starting to accelerate.
The policy of the Bank of Japan
The Bank of Japan, on the contrary, remains cautious. Analysts estimate the probability of a 25 basis point rate hike at about 40%. Kazuo Ueda, the head of the regulator, confirmed his intention to adhere to a "hawkish" policy, which, according to him, will help avoid a sharp increase in inflation and support long-term economic growth. Ueda also noted that the American economy is likely to be able to achieve a "soft landing." However, tariff changes that may be introduced by the Trump administration are likely to create difficulties for manufacturers, which could lead to a downturn in the economy. Given this, the Bank of Japan is unlikely to decide on a further rate hike before next year.
According to Ueda, core inflation in Japan is still below the 2.0% target, but it is expected to gradually increase, which will be facilitated by wage growth.
Macroeconomic statistics of Japan
The latest data from Japan turned out to be mixed. Exports decreased by 3.1% year-on-year after falling by 1.7% a month earlier, which turned out to be worse than expected. Imports slowed from 1.8% to 0.4%, although analysts had predicted an even more noticeable decline. The trade deficit widened from -294.1 billion yen to -461.2 billion yen. Tomorrow, the market's attention will be focused on inflation data for October. The consumer price index excluding food is expected to slow from 2.4% to 2.2% year-on-year. In addition, business activity in the manufacturing sector and the service sector may adjust to 49.5 and 49.3 points, respectively.
USD/JPY Technical analysis for today
The Bollinger bands on the daily chart show growth, indicating mixed dynamics in the near term
The MACD indicator retains a weak sell signal.
Stochastic has turned up and is now near the midline.
Trading recommendations
Sales will be relevant at the breakdown down to the level of 154.50. The nearest target is 152.50. We will set the stop loss at 155.50.
Long positions when rebounding from the 154.50 level and breaking up the 155.50 mark. The target is 157.50. We will place the stop loss at 154.50.