USD/JPY Under Pressure: Weak Yen and Anticipation of US GDP!

USD/JPY is receiving particular attention due to the weakness of the Japanese Yen (JPY), influenced by expectations that the Bank of Japan (BoJ) will delay further rate hikes. The minutes of the BoJ’s July monetary policy meeting revealed a consensus among members on the need to remain vigilant regarding inflation risks. While some members indicated that a rate hike to 0.25% might be appropriate, others suggested a moderate adjustment to monetary support.

From a macroeconomic perspective, traders are focused on the release of the annualized US GDP for the second quarter, scheduled for Thursday. The dollar's performance is being hindered by the increasing likelihood of rate cuts by the Federal Reserve by the end of the year. According to the CME FedWatch Tool, there is about a 50% chance that the Fed will reduce rates by 75 basis points, bringing them to the 4.0-4.25% range.

In terms of resistance, the level of 149.40, the highest in the past six weeks, represents a potential target for the USD/JPY rally. On the support side, the first significant level is around 144.00, which coincides with the upper boundary of the previous descending channel. A break below this level could restore the bearish bias, with the next target around 139.58, the lowest point since June 2023.