USD/JPY Outlook: Bearish, as the exchange rate is below its recent average and near recent lows, influenced by multiple factors.
Key drivers:
• Rate gap: The Federal Reserve is likely to continue cutting rates, while the Bank of Japan is tightening its monetary policy, widening the gap between the two currencies.
• Risk/commodities: Oil prices are trading at recent highs, which could strengthen the yen due to Japan's import reliance, adversely affecting the USD.
• One macro factor: Concerns surrounding US fiscal policy, including potential government shutdowns and reduction in USD assets, are placing additional pressure on the dollar.
Range: The USD/JPY pair is expected to drift within its recent range, staying under pressure due to ongoing economic concerns.
What could change it:
• Upside risk: A surprising hawkish shift from the Federal Reserve could boost the USD.
• Downside risk: Increased speculation of Japanese authorities intervening to curb yen appreciation could exacerbate the dollar's decline.