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July 1st - Six sources revealed that the European Central Bank (ECB) is considering doubling the required reserve ratio for banks to hold in interest-free accounts. This move would reduce the central banks own interest expenses and mitigate the side effects of its anti-inflationary measures. The sources said the potential increase is being discussed among ECB policymakers, with a proposed minimum reserve requirement to be raised from 1% to 2% of bank customer deposits and other funding sources. This would help central banks in cash-rich countries like Germany reduce losses from paying interest on bank deposits exceeding legal requirements. Over the past decade, these excess deposits have grown to trillions of euros through bond-buying stimulus programs. This move would also absorb some excess liquidity and advance the ECBs efforts to guide banks away from free cash, an issue that will be reconsidered in this years so-called framework review. The sources said a decision on the potential measure is expected before autumn. It is understood that internal discussions within the ECB are still in their early stages, and the Governing Council has not yet formally discussed the matter.July 1st - A survey reveals that global central banks are accelerating adjustments to their foreign exchange reserve structures as US political and geopolitical risks rise. A survey of 74 central banks by the Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum (OMFIF) in London shows that for the first time, "the number of central banks planning to reduce their dollar holdings over the next decade exceeds those planning to increase them," reflecting a decline in the dollars attractiveness. The report points out that geopolitical factors have become one of the main reasons influencing the willingness to invest in the dollar, coupled with rising uncertainty in US trade policy, driving a global trend of "de-dollarization." Despite this, the dollar still accounts for approximately 58% of global central bank reserves and will maintain its dominant position in the short term. Meanwhile, central bank demand for gold has increased significantly, with a record proportion of surveyed institutions planning to increase their gold holdings to hedge against geopolitical risks and financial system instability. Furthermore, the euro and the renminbi are also gaining attractiveness, receiving more attention in international trade and diversification, respectively, while some emerging market currencies are also favored. Overall, the global reserve system is showing a slow trend of diversification; the dollars dominance remains, but its marginal advantage is declining.The Federal Reserve accepted a total of $26.9 billion from 10 counterparties in its fixed-rate reverse repurchase operations.Sources at the European Central Bank: Policymakers are discussing raising the minimum reserve requirement ratio for banks from 1% to 2%.European Central Bank sources say a decision on minimum reserve requirements is expected in the fall.

The USD/JPY Currency Pair Swings in a 60-Pip Range as Bulls Reclaim 124.00 on a Positive Note

Drake Hampton

Apr 08, 2022 10:07

Tips

  • The USD/JPY is up 1.26 percent this week.

  • The greenback strengthens as investors shrug off geopolitical concerns.

  • Forecast for the USD/JPY Exchange Rate: As bulls, we are leaning upward and are aiming for the YTD high of 125.10.

 

As the Asian Pacific session opens, USD/JPY pair extends its weekly gains on broad US dollar strength. The USD/JPY remains strong at 124.15, after trading in a tight 55-pip range over the last three days as the Eastern Europe conflict between Russia and Ukraine enters its sixth day.

 

Asian market futures continue to trade higher, despite the ongoing Russia-Ukraine confrontation. Contrary to the positive tone of Asian market futures, which point to a stronger open, US equities concluded the afternoon in a divided mood. Investors shrugged aside Russia-Ukraine tensions on Thursday, despite Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov's complaint that Ukraine's new draft accord submitted to Russia does not meet Russia's demands on Crimea and Donbas. Meanwhile, recent reports indicate that Russia is regrouping soldiers in preparation for another offensive aimed at reclaiming Ukraine's eastern territories, Donetsk and Luhansk.

 

The North American session on Thursday featured Fed speakers, lead by St. Louis Fed President James Bullard, who stated that the Fed is still behind the curve in its efforts to contain inflation. Bullard said that by the second half of the year, he would like to see the Federal Funds Rate (FFR) at 3.5 percent.

 

Later that day, Chicago Fed President Charles Evans indicated that "we (the Fed) will reach neutral by the end of this year or early next."

 

On the Japanese docket, the Current Account for February and Consumer Confidence for March would be the headline economic data releases. On the US front, Wholesale Inventories for February will be released on a monthly basis. 

USD/JPY Forecast: Technical Analysis

The USD/JPY continues bullish, but the average daily range (ADR) has been 55 pips during the last three days. Daily moving averages (DMAs) below the spot price further reinforce the uptrend, and it's worth noting that the 100-DMA at 109.48 is on the verge of crossing over the 200-DMA at 109.60.

 

With that considered, the first resistance level for the USD/JPY would be 124.00. If the latter is breached, the March 29 daily high of 124.30 will be revealed, followed by the year-to-date high of 125.10.


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