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On May 16th, European Central Bank (ECB) Governing Council member Stournaras stated that a small interest rate hike by the ECB could curb inflation without causing economic damage. Even if the inflation rate is significantly above the target level for a period of time, as long as it is temporary, future tightening of monetary policy should be more moderate. This would both curb further inflation and avoid excessive shock to economic activity. The duration and intensity of the energy crisis, and its transmission mechanism to the real economy, will also determine the ECBs response. The ECB will continue to closely assess all available data and is prepared to set policy rates at a level consistent with maintaining price stability in the medium term. This typically dovish official emphasized that there is currently no strong evidence of a second round of inflation, but he also warned of rising uncertainty, as damage to energy infrastructure in the Gulf region could prolong inflationary pressures in the medium term. Extended delivery times and rising input costs indicate that supply chains are facing increasing pressure.May 16th - Despite geopolitical tensions and a flood of synthetic diamonds, Zimbabwes main state-owned diamond miner plans to produce 5 million carats of diamonds this year, up from 3.8 million carats in 2025. Douglas Zambangor, CEO of United Diamonds Zimbabwe, told lawmakers in the eastern town of Mutare that the countrys diamond industry has experienced a more severe downturn than the international market due to a series of local problems. While international rough diamond prices have fallen by 26% to 35%, Zimbabwean diamonds have plummeted from a peak of $79 per carat to $22 per carat due to product mix issues, geopolitical tensions, synthetic diamonds, market collusion, and an unfavorable sales framework. The international diamond market remains sluggish, especially for unique rough diamonds, with prices projected to range between $22 and $34 per carat by 2026. In contrast, other producers are averaging $100 per carat for high-quality rough diamonds.May 16th - According to sources, FIFA Secretary General Matthias Grafström will meet with officials from the Iranian Football Federation in Istanbul, Turkey, on the 16th. FIFA will "assure" Iran that it will be able to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. US Secretary of State Rubio previously stated that Iranian footballers will be welcomed at this World Cup, but also warned that the US may still ban Iranian team members with ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps from entering the country.May 16 - According to sources cited by Irans state news agency, Pakistani Interior Minister Naqvi arrived in Tehran a few hours ago to meet with Iranian officials.May 16th - On May 16th local time, in the first round of the WorldSSP class of the 2026 World Superbike Championship (WSBK) Czech Republic, Valentin Debis, the No. 53 French rider from Chinese motorcycle manufacturer "Zhang Xue Motorcycle", won the championship.

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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