empty
21.02.2025 01:34 PM
USD/JPY: Inflation, Kato's Statement, and the Outlook for a Downward Trend

The USD/JPY pair hit a nearly two-month low, reacting to Japan's January inflation report, but then sharply reversed following an unexpected statement from Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato.During Friday's Asian session, the pair dropped to 149.30 (the Kijun-sen line on the weekly chart) as traders reacted to inflation data that exceeded even the most optimistic forecasts. All key components of the report came in stronger than expected, reinforcing concerns about persistent price pressures.

This image is no longer relevant

Despite the strong inflation figures, sellers failed to push USD/JPY below the 149.30 support level and into the 148.00 range. The pair unexpectedly reversed and climbed back to the 150.00 level, largely due to Kato's comments, which put pressure on the yen. This allowed buyers to reclaim part of their lost positions.

However, trusting this rebound may not be advisable. The inflation report will remain a key factor influencing the market, and hawkish signals from the Bank of Japan (BoJ) continue to suggest further rate hikes. Additionally, strong GDP growth in Q4 and expectations for higher wage increases following Japan's spring wage negotiations (Shunto) further bolster the case for a tighter BoJ policy.

According to the latest data, Japan's headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) jumped to 4.0% y/y in January, surpassing forecasts of 3.8%. This marks the strongest inflation rate since January 2023 and the third consecutive month of acceleration.

The core CPI, which excludes fresh food prices, also exceeded expectations, rising to 3.2% y/y (vs. a forecast of 3.1%), reaching its highest level since June 2023. Inflation, excluding both food and energy, accelerated to 2.5% y/y, up from 2.4% in the previous month.

A breakdown of the report shows that electricity costs surged by 18%, while food prices jumped by 7.8%, the highest pace in 15 months. Clothing prices rose 2.8%, household goods increased 3.4%, and transportation and medical services also saw price gains. The only categories that saw slight declines were communication services (-0.3%) and education (-1.1%).

This strong inflation report reinforces the hawkish stance of BoJ policymakers. According to a Reuters survey, nearly 70% of economists expect the BoJ to raise rates by 25 basis points in Q3 2024, likely in May or June. However, this survey was conducted before the latest inflation release, which means market focus will now shift to the March BoJ meeting for potential signals on earlier action.

In addition to inflation, Japan's Q4 GDP data recently showed a 0.7% q/q expansion, the fastest pace since Q2 2023. On an annualized basis, GDP growth hit 2.8%, far exceeding the consensus forecast of 1.0%. These figures suggest that Japan's economy remains resilient, providing further justification for a monetary policy shift.

Kato vs. Takata: Diverging Views on Policy

Had Kato not expressed concerns about higher rates potentially pressuring Japan's financial system, USD/JPY might have already tested the 148.00 support level (lower Bollinger Bands line on the daily chart). However, his comments caused hesitation among yen buyers.

This contradicts the hawkish stance of BoJ board member Hajime Takata, who just two days ago advocated for continued tightening to prevent overheating and excessive price growth. Notably, Takata made these remarks before the inflation data release, suggesting that his next comments might be even more assertive.

Adding to the hawkish sentiment, BoJ Governor Kazuo Ueda also emphasized today that higher rates in the long run would support financial institutions' profitability, signaling a willingness to gradually normalize monetary policy.

USD/JPY Technical Outlook

Despite the recent bounce, USD/JPY remains in a bearish setup on both the H4 and daily timeframes, staying below the middle and lower Bollinger Bands lines.

On the D1 chart, the Ichimoku indicator continues to show a bearish "Bearish Cross" signal.

Key downward targets remain unchanged:

  • 149.20 (Kijun-sen line on the weekly chart)
  • 148.00 (lower Bollinger Bands line on D1)

The fundamental backdrop favors further downside, reinforcing the case for a continued downtrend in USD/JPY.

Pilih carta masa
5
min
15
min
30
min
1
jam
4
jam
1
hari
1
minggu
Jana pendapatan melalui perubahan kadar mata wang kripto dengan InstaForex.
Muat turun MetaTrader 4 dan buka dagangan pertama anda.
  • Grand Choice
    Contest by
    InstaForex
    InstaForex always strives to help you
    fulfill your biggest dreams.
    SERTAI PERADUAN

Artikel yang dicadangkan

XAU/USD. Analisis dan Ramalan

Emas menunjukkan momentum positif ketika ia berusaha untuk kekal di atas paras $3300, yang menunjukkan minat pelabur yang semakin meningkat terhadap aset safe-haven tradisi ini. Ketidaktentuan mengenai hubungan perdagangan A.S.-China—yang

Irina Yanina 11:33 2025-04-24 UTC+2

Trump Sedang Bermain Permainan di Mana Semua Pihak Rugi

Menurut seorang pegawai kanan di European Central Bank, Presiden Donald Trump telah menarik seluruh dunia ke dalam permainan di mana semua pihak akhirnya kerugian — merujuk kepada dasar perdagangan beliau

Jakub Novak 11:21 2025-04-24 UTC+2

Trump Amat Memerlukan Perjanjian dengan China

Dolar AS meningkat dengan mendadak berbanding kebanyakan mata wang utama selepas Presiden Donald Trump menyatakan bahawa beliau merancang untuk bersikap sangat "beramah" dengan China dalam sebarang rundingan perdagangan dan tarif

Jakub Novak 11:16 2025-04-24 UTC+2

The Fed Memerlukan Lebih Banyak Masa untuk Menilai Situasi

Semasa Donald Trump berusaha untuk mencapai persefahaman dengan China, Gabenor Rizab Persekutuan Adriana Kugler menyatakan bahawa dasar tarif semasa mungkin akan meningkatkan tekanan ke atas harga dan mungkin mempunyai kesan

Jakub Novak 10:05 2025-04-24 UTC+2

Powell Tidak Perlu Bimbang

Pasaran memberi reaksi positif dengan mencatat kenaikan, dan dolar AS turut mengukuh berbanding euro serta aset berisiko lain selepas Presiden Amerika Syarikat, Donald Trump, menyatakan bahawa beliau tidak berhasrat untuk

Jakub Novak 09:59 2025-04-24 UTC+2

Pasaran Berkemungkinan Telah Melepasi Paras Terendah Penurunan Mereka (masih terdapat kemungkinan penurunan berterusan bagi EUR/USD dan GBP/USD)

Sementara pasaran terus menumpukan perhatian kepada perang perdagangan, terutamanya antara Amerika Syarikat dan China, data ekonomi yang diterima menunjukkan masalah struktur yang berterusan dalam ekonomi maju Eropah dan Amerika Syarikat

Pati Gani 09:38 2025-04-24 UTC+2

Apa yang Perlu Diberi Perhatian pada 24 April? Analisis Peristiwa Fundamental untuk Pedagang Baharu

Hanya beberapa peristiwa makroekonomi dijadualkan pada hari Khamis, tetapi perkembangan semalam menunjukkan bahawa pasaran terus mengabaikan kebanyakan penerbitan data. Hanya beberapa laporan sahaja yang bertuah untuk diberi harga. Walaupun begitu

Paolo Greco 06:05 2025-04-24 UTC+2

Gambaran Keseluruhan GBP/USD – 24 April: Tidak berjaya? Biarkan sahaja...

Pada hari Rabu, pasangan mata wang GBP/USD berjaya mengelak penurunan yang ketara, walaupun sehari sebelumnya, kelihatan terdapat penurunan harga yang akhirnya bermula. Namun, pasaran segera kembali pulih, menyedari bahawa tiada

Paolo Greco 03:16 2025-04-24 UTC+2

Gambaran Keseluruhan EUR/USD – 24 April: Adakah Segalanya Benar-benar Berkait dengan Powell?

Pasangan mata wang EUR/USD tidak meneruskan penurunan pada hari Rabu. Seperti kata pepatah, "Segalanya perlu bersederhana." Dolar mencatat kenaikan sekitar 200 pip pada hari Selasa, namun perkara ini tidak sepatutnya

Paolo Greco 03:16 2025-04-24 UTC+2

Kiwi Berpotensi Tinggi untuk Terus Meningkat

Inflasi di New Zealand pada suku pertama adalah sedikit lebih tinggi daripada jangkaan, meningkat dari 2.2% kepada 2.5% tahun ke tahun. Ini terutamanya disumbangkan oleh sektor barangan, manakala inflasi teras

Kuvat Raharjo 00:59 2025-04-24 UTC+2
Tidak boleh bertanya sekarang?
Tanya soalan anda di Ruangan bersembang.
Panggilan semula Widget
 

Dear visitor,

Your IP address shows that you are currently located in the USA. If you are a resident of the United States, you are prohibited from using the services of InstaFintech Group including online trading, online transfers, deposit/withdrawal of funds, etc.

If you think you are seeing this message by mistake and your location is not the US, kindly proceed to the website. Otherwise, you must leave the website in order to comply with government restrictions.

Why does your IP address show your location as the USA?

  • - you are using a VPN provided by a hosting company based in the United States;
  • - your IP does not have proper WHOIS records;
  • - an error occurred in the WHOIS geolocation database.

Please confirm whether you are a US resident or not by clicking the relevant button below. If you choose the wrong option, being a US resident, you will not be able to open an account with InstaForex anyway.

We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by this message.