CADJPY on a bullish break 🦐CADJPY on the 4h chart is trading at the recent highs.
The market after a few test of the top started a range trading and bounced on the lower support for a test of the 0,382 fibonacci level.
How can i approach this scenario?
I will wait for a potential break of the structure and if the price will satisfy the Plancton's strategy i will set a nice short order according to the Plancton's strategy rules.
–––––
Follow the Shrimp 🦐
Keep in mind.
🟣 Purple structure -> Monthly structure.
🔴 Red structure -> Weekly structure.
🔵 Blue structure -> Daily structure.
🟡 Yellow structure -> 4h structure.
⚫️ Black structure -> <4h structure.
Here is the Plancton0618 technical analysis , please comment below if you have any question.
The ENTRY in the market will be taken only if the condition of the Plancton0618 strategy will trigger.
Cad-jpy
💡Don't miss the great sell opportunity in CADJPYTrading suggestion:
". There is still a possibility of temporary retracement to the suggested resistance line (105.56).
if so, traders can set orders based on Price Action and expect to reach short-term targets."
Technical analysis:
. CADJPY is in a range bound, and the beginning of a downtrend is expected.
. The price is above the 21-Day WEMA, which acts as a dynamic support.
. The RSI is at 48.
Take Profits:
TP1= @ 104.99
TP2= @ 104.22
TP3= @ 103.54
TP4= @ 102.00
TP5= @ 100.82
SL: Break Above R2
❤️ If you find this helpful and want more FREE forecasts in TradingView
. . . . . Please show your support back,
. . . . . . . . Hit the 👍 LIKE button,
. . . . . . . . . . . Drop some feedback below in the comment!
❤️ Your Support is very much 🙏 appreciated!❤️
💎 Want us to help you become a better Forex / Crypto trader?
Now, It's your turn!
Be sure to leave a comment; let us know how you see this opportunity and forecast.
Trade well, ❤️
ForecastCity English Support Team ❤️
💡Don't miss the great sell opportunity in CADJPYTrading suggestion:
". There is still a possibility of temporary retracement to the suggested resistance line (105.56).
if so, traders can set orders based on Price Action and expect to reach short-term targets."
Technical analysis:
. CADJPY is in a range bound, and the beginning of a downtrend is expected.
. The price is above the 21-Day WEMA, which acts as a dynamic support.
. The RSI is at 47.
Take Profits:
TP1= @ 104.99
TP2= @ 104.22
TP3= @ 103.54
TP4= @ 102.00
TP5= @ 100.82
SL: Break Above R2
❤️ If you find this helpful and want more FREE forecasts in TradingView
. . . . . Please show your support back,
. . . . . . . . Hit the 👍 LIKE button,
. . . . . . . . . . . Drop some feedback below in the comment!
❤️ Your Support is very much 🙏 appreciated! ❤️
💎 Want us to help you become a better Forex / Crypto trader ?
Now, It's your turn !
Be sure to leave a comment; let us know how you see this opportunity and forecast.
Trade well, ❤️
ForecastCity English Support Team ❤️
CAD JPY - FUNDAMENTAL DRIVERSCAD
FUNDAMENTAL OUTLOOK: NEUTRAL
BASELINE
The CAD has enjoyed far more upside in the past few weeks than we anticipated. We’ve been cautious on the currency given Canada’s dependency on the US (>70% of exports) where the clear signs of a faster than expected slowdown and possible recession should deteriorate the growth outlook for Canada. Apart from that, the risks to the Canadian housing market can negatively impact consumer spending as interest rates rise higher at aggressive speed. Potentially damaging the wealth effect created by the rapid rise in house prices since covid. However, despite the risks to the economy and the outlook, markets still price in a very favourable growth environment for Canada, also supported by a big push higher in terms of trade due to the rise in commodity prices. Furthermore, despite clear warning signals, the BoC has chosen to ignore the negatives and has stayed surprisingly optimistic and hawkish. We’ve missed most of the move higher in the CAD as our bias has kept us cautious, but the risks are still present and with the currency close to 9-year highs (at the index level) we have very little appetite for chasing it higher from here and will be actively looking for opportunities to trade the CAD lower with the right type of bearish catalyst.
POSSIBLE BULLISH SURPRISES
As an oil exporter, oil prices are important for CAD. Catalyst that sees further upside Oil (deteriorating supply outlook, ease in demand fears) could trigger bullish CAD reactions. The correlation has been hit and miss in recent weeks though. As a risk sensitive currency, and catalyst that causes big bouts of risk on sentiment could trigger bullish reactions in the CAD. With more market participants noticing cracks in the housing markets, a very solid House Price Index print could ease some of those concerns and provide some upside. Even though a lot of tightening has been priced in for the BoC , a big enough surprise in CPI that triggers further hike expectations could provide some short-term support.
POSSIBLE BEARISH SURPRISES
As an oil exporter, oil prices are important for CAD. Any catalyst that triggers meaningful downside in oil (deteriorating demand outlook, ease in supply shortage, less supply constraints) could be a negative catalyst for the CAD as well. As a risk sensitive currency, and catalyst that causes big bouts of risk off sentiment could trigger bearish reactions in the CAD. Since a lot of policy tightening has been priced into STIR markets, any negative catalysts that triggers less hawkish BoC expectations (faster deceleration in growth or inflation ) could trigger outsized downside for the CAD. In recent communication, Governor Macklem started to mention some hiccups in housing. A big miss in the House Price index could trigger more speculation of a less hawkish bank and could trigger some downside for the CAD.
BIGGER PICTURE
The bigger picture outlook for the CAD remains neutral for now. Given the clear risks to the growth outlook due to the slowdown in the US, as well as rising risks to the consumer and the housing market, we remain cautious on the currency, even though it’s move much higher than we anticipated. With a lot of upside priced into the CAD and Canadian yields, our preferred way of trading the CAD would be to look for short-term negative catalysts to trade the CAD lower instead of chasing it higher.
JPY
FUNDAMENTAL OUTLOOK: BEARISH
BASELINE
The Yen has seen a lot of depreciation this year driven by very negative fundamentals. Yield differentials has by far had the biggest negative impact . With other major central banks starting aggressive hiking cycles, it has lifted yields quite dramatically, which has seen yields like US10Y push considerably higher than 10-year Japanese yields capped at 0.25% by yield curve control. That means dovish monetary policy remains a key negative driver. Despite inflation starting to push higher in Japan, and despite the lessons from other central banks now struggling with inflation last seen since the 70’s, the bank has once again at their June meeting stayed stubbornly dovish keeping yields capped at 0.25%. At this stage the bank is playing a very dangerous game by allowing the JPY to weaken, further adding to inflationary risks. Their dovish persistence remains a negative for the JPY. Even though the JPY is considered a safe haven, the inflows has been more limited compared to other cycles. The main reason for that is that the bank’s current account surplus (a main reason for safe haven appeal) has deteriorated due to the rise in commodity prices. Japan imports over 90% of their energy commodities , so the continued rise in oil prices has added to the downside and eroded some of the classic safe haven appeal. The BoJ and MoF’s reluctance to intervene to stop the rapid depreciation in the JPY in recent weeks has been noticeable. As long as they just voice their dislike but fail to act, the market will keep testing them and shorting the JPY.
POSSIBLE BULLISH SURPRISES
Monetary policy is stubbornly dovish. Any catalyst that triggers speculation that the BoJ could drop YCC or hike rates or both (big upside surprises in inflation ) could trigger upside in JPY, which means Friday’s CPI print will be in focus. Catalysts that trigger meaningful corrections in US10Y (less hawkish Fed, faster deceleration in US CPI , faster deceleration in US growth) or meaningful bouts of risk off sentiment could trigger bullish reactions from the JPY. Any catalyst that triggers meaningful downside in key commodities like Oil (deteriorating demand outlook, ease in supply shortage) could trigger bullish JPY reactions as well. Any intervention from the BoJ or MoF to stop JPY depreciation (buying the JPY or giving firm and clear lines in the sand for USDJPY ) could offer decent reprieve for the JPY.
POSSIBLE BEARISH SURPRISES
With yield differentials playing such a huge role for the JPY, any catalysts that push US10Y higher (more aggressive Fed, further acceleration in US CPI , better-than-expected US growth data) could trigger further bearish price action for the JPY. Any catalyst that creates further upside in oil prices (further supply concerns, geopolitical tensions) poses downside risks for Japan’s current account surplus and could trigger further bearish reactions in the JPY. Further reluctance from the BoJ and MoF to address the concerning depreciation in the JPY is a continued negative driver for the JPY to keep on the radar.
BIGGER PICTURE
The bigger picture remains bleak for the JPY, especially after the BoJ once again stuck to the same overly dovish script this past week. As long as US10Y gains ground and as long as the BoJ stays unnecessarily dovish and no push back is made against the JPY weakness from the BoJ or MoF, the bias remains lower. Take note that positioning has been stretched (tactically and CFTC) for some time, which means we don’t want to chase the JPY lower from here.
CAD JPY - FUNDAMENTAL DRIVERSCAD
FUNDAMENTAL OUTLOOK: NEUTRAL
The CAD has enjoyed far more upside in the past few weeks than we anticipated. We’ve been cautious on the currency given
Canada’s dependency on the US (>70% of exports) where the clear signs of a faster than expected slowdown in the US should
have deteriorated the growth outlook for Canada.
Apart from that, the risks to the Canadian housing market risks to negatively impact consumer spending as interest rates rise
higher at aggressive speed, potentially damaging the wealth effect created by the rapid rise in house prices since covid.
However, despite the risks to economy and the risks to the outlook, markets still price in a very favourable growth environment
for Canada, also supported by a big push higher in terms of trade due to the rise in commodity prices. Furthermore, despite
clear warning signals, the BoC has chosen to ignore the negatives and has stayed surprisingly positive and hawkish.
We’ve miss most of the move higher in the currency as we’ve been cautious in our bias, but the risks are still present and with
the currency at 9-year highs (at the index level) we have very little appetite for chasing it higher from here.
POSSIBLE HAWKISH SURPRISES
As an oil exporter, oil prices are important for CAD. Catalyst that sees further upside Oil (deteriorating supply outlook, ease in demand fears) could trigger bullish CAD reactions. The correlation has been hit and miss in recent weeks though. As a risk sensitive currency, and catalyst that causes big bouts of risk on sentiment could trigger bullish reactions in the CAD.
POSSIBLE DOVISH SURPRISES
As an oil exporter, oil prices are important for CAD. Catalyst that sees further upside Oil (deteriorating supply outlook, ease
in demand fears) could trigger bullish CAD reactions. The correlation has been hit and miss in recent weeks though. As a risk sensitive currency, and catalyst that causes big bouts of risk off sentiment could trigger bearish reactions in the CAD.
Since a lot of policy tightening has been priced into STIR markets, any negative catalysts that triggers less hawkish BoC expectations (faster deceleration in growth or inflation ) could trigger outsized downside for the CAD.
BIGGER PICTURE
The bigger picture outlook for the CAD remains neutral for now. Given the clear risks to the growth outlook due to the slowdown
in the US, as well as rising risks to the consumer and the housing market, we remain cautious on the currency, even though it’s
move much higher than we anticipated. With a lot of upside priced into the CAD and Canadian yields, our preferred way of
trading the CAD would be to look for short-term negative catalysts to trade the CAD lower instead of chasing it higher.
JPY
FUNDAMENTAL OUTLOOK: BEARISH
The Yen has fallen off the proverbial cliff over the past few months, driven by very negative fundamentals. Yield differentials has
by far had the biggest negative impact . With other major central banks starting aggressive hiking cycles, it has lifted yields quite
dramatically, compared to the BoJ which has stubbornly kept their yields capped through continued Yield Curve Control. The
inverse correlation to US10Y is usually important but has taken centre stage in recent months as the biggest driver of the JPY.
Even though the JPY is considered a safe haven, the inflows has been more limited compared to other cycles. The main reason
for that is that the bank’s current account surplus (a main reason for safe haven appeal) has deteriorated and expected to
continue to deteriorate due to the rise in commodity prices. Japan imports over 90% of their energy commodities , so the
continued rise in oil prices has added to the downside and also eroded some of the classic safe haven appeal.
Monetary policy is the other negative driver. Despite inflation starting to push higher in Japan, and despite the lessons from
other central banks now struggling with inflation last seen since the 70’s, and despite the market’s relentless attempts at testing
the JGB 10-year yield cap at 0.25%, the bank has stayed stubbornly dovish. At this stage the bank is playing a very dangerous
game by allowing the JPY to weaken, further adding to inflationary risks. Their dovish persistence remains a negative for the JPY.
The BoJ and MoF’s reluctance to intervene to stop the rapid and violent depreciation in the JPY has been noticeable. As long as
they just voice their dislike but fail to act and actually do something, the market will keep testing them and shorting the JPY.
POSSIBLE HAWKISH SURPRISES
Any catalysts that trigger meaningful downside in US10Y (less hawkish Fed, faster deceleration in US CPI , faster deceleration
in US growth) or triggers meaningful bouts of risk off sentiment could trigger bullish reactions from the JPY. Any catalyst that triggers meaningful downside in key commodities like Oil (deteriorating demand outlook, ease in supply shortage) could trigger bullish JPY reactions. Monetary policy is stubbornly dovish. Any catalyst that triggers speculation that the BoJ would drop YCC or hike rates or both (big upside surprises in inflation ) could trigger a big recovery in the JPY, especially with stretched short positioning. Any intervention from the BoJ or MoF to stop JPY depreciation (buying the JPY or giving firm and clear lines in the sand for USDJPY ) could offer decent reprieve for the JPY.
POSSIBLE DOVISH SURPRISES
With yield differentials playing such a huge role for the JPY, any catalysts that push US10Y higher (more aggressive Fed, further
acceleration in US CPI , better-than-expected US growth data) could trigger further bearish price action for the JPY. Any catalyst that creates further upside in oil prices (further supply concerns, geopolitical tensions) poses downside risks for Japan’s current account surplus and could trigger further bearish reactions in the JPY. Further reluctance from the BoJ and MoF to address the concerning depreciation in the JPY is a continued negative driver for the JPY to keep on the radar.
BIGGER PICTURE
The bigger picture looks bleak for the JPY right now, and as long as US10Y gain ground and as long as the BoJ stays unnecessarily
dovish and as long as the BoJ and MoF does nothing to address JPY weakness, the bias remains lower. However, given stretched
tactical and CFTC positioning, and given growth concerns in the US, we don’t want to chase the JPY lower from here.
CADJPY Top confirmed. Huge success with previous pattern.The CADJPY pair has been trading within a Bullish Megaphone as outlined by our last analysis almost two months ago:
As you see the Fibonacci Channel helped to very efficiently identify the pressure points and the price moved exactly as per our trading strategy. As seen, it found support on the 1D MA50 (blue trend-line) and rebounded, imitating the pattern of March 15 - May 15 2021. Yesterday it almost hit the Higher Lows trend-line of the Megaphone and is being rejected currently. As the 1W RSI Double topped in the same fashion as late May, it is more likely that this was the top on the medium-term.
It is now that the Fibonacci levels will come in play again and if the pattern continues to replicate the 2021 one, expect a strong correction during the summer months towards the 1.5 Fib level, were the price should find support within the 1D MA200 (orange trend-line) and the 1W MA50 (red trend-line), or earlier if they rise faster.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
** Please support this idea with your likes and comments, it is the best way to keep it relevant and support me. **
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CJCJ is highly correlated to oil price due to Oil being a top export from Canada whilst In Japan it is a top import, what we are seeing on the monthly chart is signs of strong rally, we have inside bar giving us a TP1, and if we see continued Oil price rallies, we could expect CJ to grow higher and higher.
💡Don't miss the great sell opportunity in CADJPYTrading suggestion:
". There is still a possibility of temporary retracement to the suggested resistance line (100.94).
if so, traders can set orders based on Price Action and expect to reach short-term targets."
Technical analysis:
. CADJPY is in a range bound, and the beginning of a downtrend is expected.
. The price is below the 21-Day WEMA, which acts as a dynamic resistance.
. The RSI is at 33.
Take Profits:
TP1= @ 99.95
TP2= @ 98.98
TP3= @ 98.23
TP4= @ 97.04
TP5= @ 95.69
SL: Break Above R2
❤️ If you find this helpful and want more FREE forecasts in TradingView
. . . . . Please show your support back,
. . . . . . . . Hit the 👍 LIKE button,
. . . . . . . . . . . Drop some feedback below in the comment!
❤️ Your Support is very much 🙏 appreciated!❤️
💎 Want us to help you become a better Forex / Crypto trader?
Now, It's your turn!
Be sure to leave a comment; let us know how you see this opportunity and forecast.
Trade well, ❤️
ForecastCity English Support Team ❤️
💡Don't miss the great sell opportunity in CADJPYTrading suggestion:
". There is still a possibility of temporary retracement to the suggested resistance line (100.94).
if so, traders can set orders based on Price Action and expect to reach short-term targets."
Technical analysis:
. CADJPY is in a range bound, and the beginning of a downtrend is expected.
. The price is below the 21-Day WEMA, which acts as a dynamic resistance.
. The RSI is at 32.
Take Profits:
TP1= @ 99.95
TP2= @ 98.98
TP3= @ 98.23
TP4= @ 97.04
TP5= @ 95.69
SL: Break Above R2
❤️ If you find this helpful and want more FREE forecasts in TradingView
. . . . . Please show your support back,
. . . . . . . . Hit the 👍 LIKE button,
. . . . . . . . . . . Drop some feedback below in the comment!
❤️ Your Support is very much 🙏 appreciated! ❤️
💎 Want us to help you become a better Forex / Crypto trader ?
Now, It's your turn !
Be sure to leave a comment; let us know how you see this opportunity and forecast.
Trade well, ❤️
ForecastCity English Support Team ❤️
CAD JPY - FUNDAMENTAL DRIVERSCAD
FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: NEUTRAL
1. Monetary Policy
The BoC delivered on expectations with a 50bsp hike as well as announcing a start to passive QT from the end of April by ending its reinvestment of maturing bonds. The bank upgraded both inflation and growth estimates as markets were expecting but did play a hawkish card by also increasing their neutral rate estimate to 2.5% from 2.25%. They acknowledged the growing risks from the current geopolitical situation but made it very clear that they are concerned about inflation and their hike of 50bsp showed that they think that policy needs to be normalized quickly (which some took as a hint that another 50bsp is on the way). The bank didn’t offer any additional clarity on QT but did note that they are not considering active QT of selling bonds just yet. Some conditionality also surfaced, where they explained that any sudden negative shocks to growth or inflation could see them pause hikes once they get closer towards neutral ( Gov Macklem also added that they might need to get rates slightly above neutral in the current cycle). Overall, it was a more hawkish than expected BoC decision, but interesting to note that STIR markets did not price in another 50bsp following the meeting (only a 25bsp) hike. We remain of the opinion that we are close to peak hawkishness for the BoC and are looking for the last push higher in the CAD for opportunities to sell.
2. Intermarket Analysis
Oil’s impressive post-covid recovery has been driven by many factors such as supply & demand , global demand recovery, and more recently geopolitical concerns. At current prices the risk to demand destruction and stagflation is high, which means we remain cautious of oil in the med-term . Reason for caution: Synchronised policy tightening targeting demand, slowing growth, consensus longs, steep backwardation curve, heightened implied volatility . We remain cautious oil , but geopolitics are a key driver and focus for Petro-currencies like the CAD (even though the CAD-Oil correlation has been hit and miss).
Global Risk Outlook
As a high-beta currency, the CAD usually benefits from overall positive risk sentiment as well as environments that benefit pro-cyclical assets. Thus, both short-term (immediate) and med-term (underlying) risk sentiment will always be a key consideration for the CAD.
3. CFTC Analysis
Positioning was more mixed last week for the CAD, but we continue to think that markets are setting up a similar path compared to April 2021, Oct 2021 and Jan 2022 where markets were too aggressive to price in CAD upside only to see majority of it unwind later. As always though, timing those shorts will be very important.
JPY
FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: BEARISH
1. Monetary Policy
The BoJ kept all policy settings unchanged at their April meeting, which was in line with broad consensus expectations, but given the price action after the event did imply that a sizeable chunk of the market was expecting something more (us included). Due to the JPY weakness in recent weeks, markets wanted to see whether the bank would potentially increase their Yield Curve Control target band from 0.25%--0.25% to 0.50%--0.50%. But the bank decided to stick to their guns and maintain their ultra-easy policy despite the rapid depreciation of the JPY. The bank doubled down by saying they will conduct special open market operations on every working day as needed to keep the 10-year GBP capped at 0.25%. As expected, the bank reiterated their view that rates will stay low for the foreseeable future and won’t hesitate to add stimulus if the economy needs it. On the JPY, Gov Kuroda made familiar comments by saying they desire stable currency moves which reflect economic fundamentals. As a result of the bank’s inaction, all eyes will now be on the MoF to intervene if the rapid depreciation of the JPY continues.
2. Safe-haven status and overall risk outlook
As a safe-haven currency, the market's risk outlook is usually the primary driver. Economic data rarely proves market moving, and although monetary policy expectations can affect the JPY in the short-term, safe-haven flows are typically more dominant. Even though the market’s overall risk tone saw a huge recovery and risk-on frenzy from the middle of 2020 to the end of 2021, recent developments have increased risks. With central banks tightening policy into an economic slowdown, risk appetite has soured. Even though that doesn’t change our med-term bias for the JPY, it does mean we should expect more risk sentiment ebbs and flows this year, and the heightened volatility can create strong directional moves in the JPY, as long as yields play their part.
3. Low-yielding currency with inverse correlation to US10Y
As a low yielding currency, the JPY usually shares a strong inverse correlation to moves in US yield differentials. Like most correlations, the strength of the inverse correlation between the JPY and US10Y isn’t perfect and will ebb and flow depending on the market environment from both a risk and cycle point of view. With the Fed tilting more aggressive and targeting demand, we expect U10Y to push lower in weeks ahead (especially as inflation tops out). If that happens there could be mild upside risks for the JPY if US10Y corrects, but we shouldn’t look at that in isolation and also weigh it alongside risk sentiment and demand for the USD.
4. CFTC Analysis
Another bullish signal from JPY positioning as net-shorts decreased across all three participants once again. With aggregate JPY positioning close to 2 standard deviationsfrom its 15-year mean, the risk to reward to chase the JPY lower from here is not very attractive. Last week saw some additional correction in JPY pairs, but without a more substantial reason for US10Y to push lower the attractiveness to buy the JPY is limited as well.
CADJPY: A Buy Setup -INTRODUCTION-
CADJPY has been moving within a wide bullish flag channel after the price has reached a new yearly high at the 103.00 level. This new high has not been retested and we expect the price to eventually rise to reach the high again. Today, the price has broken its bearish flag channel with a strong bullish momentum. Therefore, we will look to enter buy positions after a pullback.
-TRADING PLAN-
Currently, RSI has reached the overbought area. Therefore, we expect a short-term retracement to the 99.50 ~ 100.00 area. From there, we will observe for a consolidation pattern and then a potential breakout.
We will update this idea with a new post when the price reaches the area of interest :)
Check out our ongoing and previous trading ideas below :)
CAD JPY - FUNDAMENTAL DRIVERSCAD
FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: NEUTRAL
1. Monetary Policy
The BoC delivered on expectations with a 50bsp hike as well as announcing a start to passive QT from the end of April by ending its reinvestment of maturing bonds. The bank upgraded both inflation and growth estimates as markets were expecting but did play a hawkish card by also increasing their neutral rate estimate to 2.5% from 2.25%. They acknowledged the growing risks from the current geopolitical situation but made it very clear that they are concerned about inflation and their hike of 50bsp showed that they think that policy needs to be normalized quickly (which some took as a hint that another 50bsp is on the way). The bank didn’t offer any additional clarity on QT but did note that they are not considering active QT of selling bonds just yet. Some conditionality also surfaced, where they explained that any sudden negative shocks to growth or inflation could see them pause hikes once they get closer towards neutral ( Gov Macklem also added that they might need to get rates slightly above neutral in the current cycle). Overall, it was a more hawkish than expected BoC decision, but interesting to note that STIR markets did not price in another 50bsp following the meeting (only a 25bsp) hike. We remain of the opinion that we are close to peak hawkishness for the BoC and are looking for the last push higher in the CAD for opportunities to sell.
2. Intermarket Analysis
Oil’s impressive post-covid recovery has been driven by many factors such as supply & demand , global demand recovery, and more recently geopolitical concerns. At current prices the risk to demand destruction and stagflation is high, which means we remain cautious of oil in the med-term . Reason for caution: Synchronised policy tightening targeting demand, slowing growth, consensus longs, steep backwardation curve, heightened implied volatility . We remain cautious oil , but geopolitics are a key driver and focus for Petro-currencies like the CAD (even though the CAD-Oil correlation has been hit and miss).
Global Risk Outlook
As a high-beta currency, the CAD usually benefits from overall positive risk sentiment as well as environments that benefit pro-cyclical assets. Thus, both short-term (immediate) and med-term (underlying) risk sentiment will always be a key consideration for the CAD.
3. CFTC Analysis
Positioning continues to signal bearish signs for CAD with another sizeable net-short weekly change across all 3 participant categories. We think markets are setting up a similar path compared to April 2021, Oct 2021 and Jan 2022 where markets were too aggressive to price in CAD upside only to see majority of it unwind later. As always though, timing those shorts will be very important and catalysts are key.
JPY
FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: BEARISH
1. Monetary Policy
The BoJ kept all policy settings unchanged at their April meeting, which was in line with broad consensus expectations, but given the price action after the event did imply that a sizeable chunk of the market was expecting something more (us included). Due to the JPY weakness in recent weeks, markets wanted to see whether the bank would potentially increase their Yield Curve Control target band from 0.25%--0.25% to 0.50%--0.50%. But the bank decided to stick to their guns and maintain their ultra-easy policy despite the rapid depreciation of the JPY. The bank doubled down by saying they will conduct special open market operations on every working day as needed to keep the 10-year GBP capped at 0.25%. As expected, the bank reiterated their view that rates will stay low for the foreseeable future and won’t hesitate to add stimulus if the economy needs it. On the JPY, Gov Kuroda made familiar comments by saying they desire stable currency moves which reflect economic fundamentals. As a result of the bank’s inaction, all eyes will now be on the MoF to intervene if the rapid depreciation of the JPY continues.
2. Safe-haven status and overall risk outlook
As a safe-haven currency, the market's risk outlook is usually the primary driver. Economic data rarely proves market moving, and although monetary policy expectations can affect the JPY in the short-term, safe-haven flows are typically more dominant. Even though the market’s overall risk tone saw a huge recovery and risk-on frenzy from the middle of 2020 to the end of 2021, recent developments have increased risks. With central banks tightening policy into an economic slowdown, risk appetite has soured. Even though that doesn’t change our med-term bias for the JPY, it does mean we should expect more risk sentiment ebbs and flows this year, and the heightened volatility can create strong directional moves in the JPY, as long as yields play their part.
3. Low-yielding currency with inverse correlation to US10Y
As a low yielding currency, the JPY usually shares a strong inverse correlation to moves in US yield differentials. Like most correlations, the strength of the inverse correlation between the JPY and US10Y isn’t perfect and will ebb and flow depending on the market environment from both a risk and cycle point of view. With the Fed tilting more aggressive and targeting demand, we expect U10Y to push lower in weeks ahead (especially as inflation tops out). If that happens there could be mild upside risks for the JPY if US10Y corrects, but we shouldn’t look at that in isolation and also weigh it alongside risk sentiment and demand for the USD.
4. CFTC Analysis
A bullish signal from JPY positioning as net-shorts decreased across all three participants. With aggregate JPY positioning still close to 2 standard deviations away from a 15-year mean, the risk to reward to chase the currency lower from here is not very attractive. Last week saw some additional correction in JPY pairs, but without a more substantial reason for US10Y to push lower the attractiveness to buy the JPY is limited.
CAD JPY - FUNDAMENTAL DRIVERSCAD
FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: NEUTRAL
1. Monetary Policy
The BoC delivered on expectations with a 50bsp hike as well as announcing a start to passive QT from the end of April by ending its reinvestment of maturing bonds. The bank upgraded both inflation and growth estimates as markets were expecting but did play a hawkish card by also increasing their neutral rate estimate to 2.5% from 2.25%. They acknowledged the growing risks from the current geopolitical situation but made it very clear that they are concerned about inflation and their hike of 50bsp showed that they think that policy needs to be normalized quickly (which some took as a hint that another 50bsp is on the way). The bank didn’t offer any additional clarity on QT but did note that they are not considering active QT of selling bonds just yet. Some conditionality also surfaced, where they explained that any sudden negative shocks to growth or inflation could see them pause hikes once they get closer towards neutral ( Gov Macklem also added that they might need to get rates slightly above neutral in the current cycle). Overall, it was a more hawkish than expected BoC decision, but interesting to note that STIR markets did not price in another 50bsp following the meeting (only a 25bsp) hike. We remain of the opinion that we are close to peak hawkishness for the BoC and are looking for the last push higher in the CAD for opportunities to sell.
2. Intermarket Analysis
Oil’s impressive post-covid recovery has been driven by many factors such as supply & demand , global demand recovery, and more recently geopolitical concerns. At current prices the risk to demand destruction and stagflation is high, which means we remain cautious of oil in the med-term . Reason for caution: Synchronised policy tightening targeting demand, slowing growth, consensus longs, steep backwardation curve, heightened implied volatility . We remain cautious oil , but geopolitics are a key driver and focus for Petro-currencies like the CAD (even though the CAD-Oil correlation has been hit and miss).
Global Risk Outlook
As a high-beta currency, the CAD usually benefits from overall positive risk sentiment as well as environments that benefit pro-cyclical assets. Thus, both short-term (immediate) and med-term (underlying) risk sentiment will always be a key consideration for the CAD.
3. CFTC Analysis
Positioning continues to signal bearish signs for CAD with another sizeable net-short weekly change across all 3 participant categories. We think markets are setting up a similar path compared to April 2021, Oct 2021 and Jan 2022 where markets were too aggressive to price in CAD upside only to see majority of it unwind later. As always though, timing those shorts will be very important and catalysts are key.
4. The Week Ahead
Oil embargo news and risk sentiment will be the biggest focus points for the CAD this week. On the embargo front, the recent proposals from the EU were enough to see Oil push higher in the short-term, but with a lot of news arguably priced, and with med-term demand downside risks, the picture for oil is very messy right now. Even though the correlation between CAD and oil has been a bit hit and miss these past few weeks, any sudden moves can still affect the CAD. On the risk front, the classic risk sensitivity that one would usually expect from high beta currencies like the AUD, CAD and NZD have returned with a vengeance in the past few trading weeks. That means overall risk sentiment will be an important driver to keep in mind for the CAD. If risk sentiment can put in a bit of a recovery, and as long as we don’t see deterioration in the China covid situation, we would expect further upside for the AUDCAD .
JPY
FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: BEARISH
1. Monetary Policy
The BoJ kept all policy settings unchanged at their April meeting, which was in line with broad consensus expectations, but given the price action after the event did imply that a sizeable chunk of the market was expecting something more (us included). Due to the JPY weakness in recent weeks, markets wanted to see whether the bank would potentially increase their Yield Curve Control target band from 0.25%--0.25% to 0.50%--0.50%. But the bank decided to stick to their guns and maintain their ultra-easy policy despite the rapid depreciation of the JPY. The bank doubled down by saying they will conduct special open market operations on every working day as needed to keep the 10-year GBP capped at 0.25%. As expected, the bank reiterated their view that rates will stay low for the foreseeable future and won’t hesitate to add stimulus if the economy needs it. On the JPY, Gov Kuroda made familiar comments by saying they desire stable currency moves which reflect economic fundamentals. As a result of the bank’s inaction, all eyes will now be on the MoF to intervene if the rapid depreciation of the JPY continues.
2. Safe-haven status and overall risk outlook
As a safe-haven currency, the market's risk outlook is usually the primary driver. Economic data rarely proves market moving, and although monetary policy expectations can affect the JPY in the short-term, safe-haven flows are typically more dominant. Even though the market’s overall risk tone saw a huge recovery and risk-on frenzy from the middle of 2020 to the end of 2021, recent developments have increased risks. With central banks tightening policy into an economic slowdown, risk appetite has soured. Even though that doesn’t change our med-term bias for the JPY, it does mean we should expect more risk sentiment ebbs and flows this year, and the heightened volatility can create strong directional moves in the JPY, as long as yields play their part.
3. Low-yielding currency with inverse correlation to US10Y
As a low yielding currency, the JPY usually shares a strong inverse correlation to moves in US yield differentials. Like most correlations, the strength of the inverse correlation between the JPY and US10Y isn’t perfect and will ebb and flow depending on the market environment from both a risk and cycle point of view. With the Fed tilting more aggressive and targeting demand, we expect U10Y to push lower in weeks ahead (especially as inflation tops out). If that happens there could be mild upside risks for the JPY if US10Y corrects, but we shouldn’t look at that in isolation and also weigh it alongside risk sentiment and demand for the USD.
4. CFTC Analysis
A bullish signal from JPY positioning as net-shorts decreased across all three participants. With aggregate JPY positioning still close to 2 standard deviations away from a 15-year mean, the risk to reward to chase the currency lower from here is not very attractive. Last week saw some additional correction in JPY pairs, but without a more substantial reason for US10Y to push lower the attractiveness to buy the JPY is limited.
5. The Week Ahead
For the week ahead, the focus will remain on the key drivers which is US10Y and more recently risk sentiment, but CPI data could also be interesting. With CPI starting to inch higher in Japan, there have been some speculation that the BoJ could make a move on policy in the months ahead. Rate hikes seems out of the question at this stage but extending the yield curve control range would make sense. JP10Y have been staying very close to the upper range at 0.25%, and a higher-than-expected CPI print could put more pressure on the BoJ to act. Given the move in yield differentials and commodity prices, the JPY had very little safe haven appeal over recent weeks, but that was not the case in the past few weeks where we saw some classic safe haven demand for the JPY. This means, apart from the regular focus on US10Y , we’ll also be paying attention to any sharp moves in risk sentiment. Apart from that, eyes will also be on any jawboning from Japanese officials where the BoJ has placed the ball firmly in the MoF’s court to try and curb JPY depreciation. With the recent safe haven demand seeing some inflows into the JPY, that might give Japanese officials some solace and could mean more patience from their side regarding recent JPY weakness.
CAD JPY - FUNDAMENTAL DRIVERSCAD
FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: NEUTRAL
1. Monetary Policy
The BoC delivered on expectations with a 50bsp hike as well as announcing a start to passive QT from the end of April by ending its reinvestment of maturing bonds. The bank upgraded both inflation and growth estimates as markets were expecting but did play a hawkish card by also increasing their neutral rate estimate to 2.5% from 2.25%. They acknowledged the growing risks from the current geopolitical situation but made it very clear that they are concerned about inflation and their hike of 50bsp showed that they think that policy needs to be normalized quickly (which some took as a hint that another 50bsp is on the way). The bank didn’t offer any additional clarity on QT but did note that they are not considering active QT of selling bonds just yet. Some conditionality also surfaced, where they explained that any sudden negative shocks to growth or inflation could see them pause hikes once they get closer towards neutral (Gov Macklem also added that they might need to get rates slightly above neutral in the current cycle). Overall, it was a more hawkish than expected BoC decision, but interesting to note that STIR markets did not price in another 50bsp following the meeting (only a 25bsp) hike. We remain of the opinion that we are close to peak hawkishness for the BoC and are looking for the last push higher in the CAD for opportunities to sell.
2. Intermarket Analysis
Oil’s impressive post-covid recovery has been driven by many factors such as supply & demand, global demand recovery, and more recently geopolitical concerns. At current prices the risk to demand destruction and stagflation is high, which means we remain cautious of oil in the med-term. Reason for caution: Synchronised policy tightening targeting demand, slowing growth, consensus longs, steep backwardation curve, heightened implied volatility. We remain cautious oil, but geopolitics are a key driver and focus for Petro-currencies like the CAD (even though the CAD-Oil correlation has been hit and miss).
Global Risk Outlook
As a high-beta currency, the CAD usually benefits from overall positive risk sentiment as well as environments that benefit pro-cyclical assets. Thus, both short-term (immediate) and med-term (underlying) risk sentiment will always be a key consideration for the CAD.
3. CFTC Analysis
Positioning continues to signal bearish signs for CAD with another sizeable net-short weekly change across all 3 participant categories. We think markets are setting up a similar path compared to April 2021, Oct 2021 and Jan 2022 where markets were too aggressive to price in CAD upside only to see majority of it unwind later. As always though, timing those shorts will be very important and catalysts are key.
4. The Week Ahead
Oil embargo news and risk sentiment will be the biggest focus points for the CAD this week. On the embargo front, the recent proposals from the EU were enough to see Oil push higher in the short-term, but with a lot of news arguably priced, and with med-term demand downside risks, the picture for oil is very messy right now. Even though the correlation between CAD and oil has been a bit hit and miss these past few weeks, any sudden moves can still affect the CAD. On the risk front, the classic risk sensitivity that one would usually expect from high beta currencies like the AUD, CAD and NZD have returned with a vengeance in the past few trading weeks. That means overall risk sentiment will be an important driver to keep in mind for the CAD. If risk sentiment can put in a bit of a recovery, and as long as we don’t see deterioration in the China covid situation, we would expect further upside for the AUDCAD.
JPY
FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: BEARISH
1. Monetary Policy
The BoJ kept all policy settings unchanged at their April meeting, which was in line with broad consensus expectations, but given the price action after the event did imply that a sizeable chunk of the market was expecting something more (us included). Due to the JPY weakness in recent weeks, markets wanted to see whether the bank would potentially increase their Yield Curve Control target band from 0.25%--0.25% to 0.50%--0.50%. But the bank decided to stick to their guns and maintain their ultra-easy policy despite the rapid depreciation of the JPY. The bank doubled down by saying they will conduct special open market operations on every working day as needed to keep the 10-year GBP capped at 0.25%. As expected, the bank reiterated their view that rates will stay low for the foreseeable future and won’t hesitate to add stimulus if the economy needs it. On the JPY, Gov Kuroda made familiar comments by saying they desire stable currency moves which reflect economic fundamentals. As a result of the bank’s inaction, all eyes will now be on the MoF to intervene if the rapid depreciation of the JPY continues.
2. Safe-haven status and overall risk outlook
As a safe-haven currency, the market's risk outlook is usually the primary driver. Economic data rarely proves market moving, and although monetary policy expectations can affect the JPY in the short-term, safe-haven flows are typically more dominant. Even though the market’s overall risk tone saw a huge recovery and risk-on frenzy from the middle of 2020 to the end of 2021, recent developments have increased risks. With central banks tightening policy into an economic slowdown, risk appetite has soured. Even though that doesn’t change our med-term bias for the JPY, it does mean we should expect more risk sentiment ebbs and flows this year, and the heightened volatility can create strong directional moves in the JPY, as long as yields play their part.
3. Low-yielding currency with inverse correlation to US10Y
As a low yielding currency, the JPY usually shares a strong inverse correlation to moves in US yield differentials. Like most correlations, the strength of the inverse correlation between the JPY and US10Y isn’t perfect and will ebb and flow depending on the market environment from both a risk and cycle point of view. With the Fed tilting more aggressive and targeting demand, we expect U10Y to push lower in weeks ahead (especially as inflation tops out). If that happens there could be mild upside risks for the JPY if US10Y corrects, but we shouldn’t look at that in isolation and also weigh it alongside risk sentiment and demand for the USD.
4. CFTC Analysis
A bullish signal from JPY positioning as net-shorts decreased across all three participants. With aggregate JPY positioning still close to 2 standard deviations away from a 15-year mean, the risk to reward to chase the currency lower from here is not very attractive. Last week saw some additional correction in JPY pairs, but without a more substantial reason for US10Y to push lower the attractiveness to buy the JPY is limited.
5. The Week Ahead
For the week ahead, the focus will remain on the key drivers which is US10Y and more recently risk sentiment, but CPI data could also be interesting. With CPI starting to inch higher in Japan, there have been some speculation that the BoJ could make a move on policy in the months ahead. Rate hikes seems out of the question at this stage but extending the yield curve control range would make sense. JP10Y have been staying very close to the upper range at 0.25%, and a higher-than-expected CPI print could put more pressure on the BoJ to act. Given the move in yield differentials and commodity prices, the JPY had very little safe haven appeal over recent weeks, but that was not the case in the past few weeks where we saw some classic safe haven demand for the JPY. This means, apart from the regular focus on US10Y, we’ll also be paying attention to any sharp moves in risk sentiment. Apart from that, eyes will also be on any jawboning from Japanese officials where the BoJ has placed the ball firmly in the MoF’s court to try and curb JPY depreciation. With the recent safe haven demand seeing some inflows into the JPY, that might give Japanese officials some solace and could mean more patience from their side regarding recent JPY weakness.
CADJPY 23rd MAY 2022Looking at this from the perspective of a net oil exporter/importer, the currency pair that topped the list of currencies traded to express views on oil prices is the Canadian dollar against the Japanese yen. Japan, which imports almost all of its oil. Japan's lack of domestic energy sources, and its need to import large amounts of crude oil, natural gas, and other energy resources, make it very sensitive to changes in oil prices. Some market participants believe the BoJ may change its ultra-loose policy to slow the yen's decline, which is being driven by rising interest rate differentials as the US Federal Reserve embarks on aggressive rate hikes.
CAD JPY - FUNDAMENTAL DRIVERSCAD
FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: NEUTRAL
1. Monetary Policy
The BoC delivered on expectations with a 50bsp hike as well as announcing a start to passive QT from the end of April by ending its reinvestment of maturing bonds. The bank upgraded both inflation and growth estimates as markets were expecting but did play a hawkish card by also increasing their neutral rate estimate to 2.5% from 2.25%. They acknowledged the growing risks from the current geopolitical situation but made it very clear that they are concerned about inflation and their hike of 50bsp showed that they think that policy needs to be normalized quickly (which some took as a hint that another 50bsp is on the way). The bank didn’t offer any additional clarity on QT but did note that they are not considering active QT of selling bonds just yet. Some conditionality also surfaced, where they explained that any sudden negative shocks to growth or inflation could see them pause hikes once they get closer towards neutral ( Gov Macklem also added that they might need to get rates slightly above neutral in the current cycle). Overall, it was a more hawkish than expected BoC decision, but interesting to note that STIR markets did not price in another 50bsp following the meeting (only a 25bsp) hike. We remain of the opinion that we are close to peak hawkishness for the BoC and are looking for the last push higher in the CAD for opportunities to sell.
2. Intermarket Analysis
Considerations Oil’s impressive post-covid recovery has been driven by many factors such as supply & demand , global demand recovery, and more recently geopolitical concerns. At current prices the risk to demand destruction and stagflation is high, which means we remain cautious of oil in the med-term . Reason for caution: Synchronised policy tightening targeting demand, slowing growth, consensus longs, steep backwardation curve, heightened implied volatility . We remain cautious oil , but geopolitics are a key driver and focus for Petro-currencies like the CAD (even though the CAD-Oil correlation has been hit and miss).
3. Global Risk Outlook
As a high-beta currency, the CAD usually benefits from overall positive risk sentiment as well as environments that benefit pro-cyclical assets. Thus, both short-term (immediate) and med-term (underlying) risk sentiment will always be a key consideration for the CAD.
4. CFTC Analysis
First real sign of stress for positioning for CAD as all three participant categories saw very large reductions in net-long positioning. We think markets are setting up a similar path compared to April 2021, Oct 2021 and Jan 2022 where markets were too aggressive to price in CAD upside only to see majority of it unwind later. As always though, timing those shorts will be very important and catalysts are key.
JPY
FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: BEARISH
1. Monetary Policy
The BoJ kept all policy settings unchanged at their April meeting, which was in line with broad consensus expectations, but given the price action after the event did imply that a sizeable chunk of the market was expecting something more (us included). Due to the JPY weakness in recent weeks, markets wanted to see whether the bank would potentially increase their Yield Curve Control target band from 0.25%--0.25% to 0.50%--0.50%. But the bank decided to stick to their guns and maintain their ultra-easy policy despite the rapid depreciation of the JPY. The bank doubled down by saying they will conduct special open market operations on every working day as needed to keep the 10-year GBP capped at 0.25%. As expected, the bank reiterated their view that rates will stay low for the foreseeable future and won’t hesitate to add stimulus if the economy needs it. On the JPY, Gov Kuroda made familiar comments by saying they desire stable currency moves which reflect economic fundamentals. As a result of the bank’s inaction, all eyes will now be on the MoF to intervene if the rapid depreciation of the JPY continues.
2. Safe-haven status and overall risk outlook
As a safe-haven currency, the market's risk outlook is usually the primary driver. Economic data rarely proves market moving, and although monetary policy expectations can affect the JPY in the short-term, safe-haven flows are typically more dominant. Even though the market’s overall risk tone saw a huge recovery and risk-on frenzy from the middle of 2020 to the end of 2021, recent developments have increased risks. With central banks tightening policy into an economic slowdown, risk appetite has soured. Even though that doesn’t change our med-term bias for the JPY, it does mean we should expect more risk sentiment ebbs and flows this year, and the heightened volatility can create strong directional moves in the JPY, as long as yields play their part.
3. Low-yielding currency with inverse correlation to US10Y
As a low yielding currency, the JPY usually shares a strong inverse correlation to moves in US yield differentials. Like most correlations, the strength of the inverse correlation between the JPY and US10Y isn’t perfect and will ebb and flow depending on the market environment from both a risk and cycle point of view. With the Fed tilting more aggressive and targeting demand, we expect U10Y to push lower in weeks ahead (especially as inflation tops out). If that happens there could be mild upside risks for the JPY if US10Y corrects, but we shouldn’t look at that in isolation and also weigh it alongside risk sentiment and demand for the USD.
4. CFTC Analysis
Increase in Large Spec & Asset Manager net-shorts, but some reduction from Leveraged Fund net-shorts. With aggregate JPY positioning still close to 2 standard deviations away from a 15-year mean, the risk to reward to chase the currency lower from here is not very attractive. Last week saw some overdue correction in JPY pairs, but without a more substantial reason for US10Y to push lower the attractiveness to buy the JPY is limited.
CAD JPY - FUNDAMENTAL DRIVERSCAD
FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: NEUTRAL
1. Monetary Policy
The BoC delivered on expectations with a 50bsp hike as well as announcing a start to passive QT from the end of April by ending its reinvestment of maturing bonds. The bank upgraded both inflation and growth estimates as markets were expecting but did play a hawkish card by also increasing their neutral rate estimate to 2.5% from 2.25%. They acknowledged the growing risks from the current geopolitical situation but made it very clear that they are concerned about inflation and their hike of 50bsp showed that they think that policy needs to be normalized quickly (which some took as a hint that another 50bsp is on the way). The bank didn’t offer any additional clarity on QT but did note that they are not considering active QT of selling bonds just yet. Some conditionality also surfaced, where they explained that any sudden negative shocks to growth or inflation could see them pause hikes once they get closer towards neutral ( Gov Macklem also added that they might need to get rates slightly above neutral in the current cycle). Overall, it was a more hawkish than expected BoC decision, but interesting to note that STIR markets did not price in another 50bsp following the meeting (only a 25bsp) hike. We remain of the opinion that we are close to peak hawkishness for the BoC and are looking for the last push higher in the CAD for opportunities to sell.
2. Intermarket Analysis Considerations
Oil’s impressive post-covid recovery has been driven by many factors such as supply & demand , global demand recovery, and more recently geopolitical concerns. At current prices the risk to demand destruction and stagflation is high, which means we remain cautious of oil in the med-term . Reason for caution: Synchronised policy tightening targeting demand, slowing growth, consensus longs, steep backwardation curve, heightened implied volatility . We remain cautious oil , but geopolitics are a key driver and focus for Petro-currencies like the CAD (even though the CAD-Oil correlation has been hit and miss).
3. Global Risk Outlook
As a high-beta currency, the CAD usually benefits from overall positive risk sentiment as well as environments that benefit pro-cyclical assets. Thus, both short-term (immediate) and med-term (underlying) risk sentiment will always be a key consideration for the CAD.
4. CFTC Analysis
First real sign of stress for positioning for CAD as all three participant categories saw very large reductions in net-long positioning. We think markets are setting up a similar path compared to April 2021, Oct 2021 and Jan 2022 where markets were too aggressive to price in CAD upside only to see majority of it unwind later. As always though, timing those shorts will be very important and catalysts are key.
JPY
FUNDAMENTAL BIAS: BEARISH
1. Monetary Policy
The BoJ kept all policy settings unchanged at their April meeting, which was in line with broad consensus expectations, but given the price action after the event did imply that a sizeable chunk of the market was expecting something more (us included). Due to the JPY weakness in recent weeks, markets wanted to see whether the bank would potentially increase their Yield Curve Control target band from 0.25%--0.25% to 0.50%--0.50%. But the bank decided to stick to their guns and maintain their ultra-easy policy despite the rapid depreciation of the JPY. The bank doubled down by saying they will conduct special open market operations on every working day as needed to keep the 10-year GBP capped at 0.25%. As expected, the bank reiterated their view that rates will stay low for the foreseeable future and won’t hesitate to add stimulus if the economy needs it. On the JPY, Gov Kuroda made familiar comments by saying they desire stable currency moves which reflect economic fundamentals. As a result of the bank’s inaction, all eyes will now be on the MoF to intervene if the rapid depreciation of the JPY continues.
2. Safe-haven status and overall risk outlook
As a safe-haven currency, the market's risk outlook is usually the primary driver. Economic data rarely proves market moving, and although monetary policy expectations can affect the JPY in the short-term, safe-haven flows are typically more dominant. Even though the market’s overall risk tone saw a huge recovery and risk-on frenzy from the middle of 2020 to the end of 2021, recent developments have increased risks. With central banks tightening policy into an economic slowdown, risk appetite is jittery. Even though that doesn’t change our med-term bias for the JPY, it does means we should expect more risk sentiment ebbs and flows this year, and the heightened volatility can create strong directional moves in the JPY, as long as yields play their part.
3. Low-yielding currency with inverse correlation to US10Y
As a low yielding currency, the JPY usually shares a strong inverse correlation to moves in US yield differentials. Like most correlations, the strength of the inverse correlation between the JPY and US10Y isn’t perfect and will ebb and flow depending on the market environment from both a risk and cycle point of view. With the Fed tilting more aggressive, we think that opens up more room for curve flattening to take place. In this environment there could be mild upside risks for the JPY if US10Y corrects, but we shouldn’t look at the yield correlation in isolation and also weigh it alongside risk sentiment and price action in other safe havens.
4. CFTC Analysis
Some increase in Large Spec & Leveraged Fund net-short again, with aggregate JPY positioning still close to 2 standard deviations away from a 15-year mean. Even though the med-term outlook remains bearish , the risk to reward to chase the currency lower from here is not very attractive.