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Corecpi

#CORE/USDT#CORE The price is moving in a bearish channel on the 4-hour frame and is largely sticking to it The price rebounded well from the green support area at the 1.50 support level, which is a strong level We have a trend to hold above the Moving Average 100, which is strong support for the rise We have very strong oversold resistance on the RSI indicator to support the rise with an uptrend Entry price is 1.60 The first goal is 1.84 Second goal 2.10 Third goal 2.40
Long
by CryptoAnalystSignal
Core and Headline CPI RELEASED (Dec 2023 figures)Core and Headline CPI (Dec 2023 figures) U.S. Headline CPI Prev: 3.1% Exp: 3.2% Rep: 3.4% 🚨 HIGHER THAN EXPECTED 🚨 U.S. Core CPI Prev: 4.0% Exp: 3.8% Rep: 3.9% 🚨 HIGHER THAN EXPECTED - but still fell from 4% to 3.9%✅ CORE CPI FALLS BELOW 4% FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE MAY 2021 We have a long way to go before we reach the Fed Target of 2%. Additional info previously shared: Core vs Headline (the difference) You can clearly see how Core CPI is less volatile than Headline CPI on the chart. Core CPI removes the volatile food and energy expenditures to provide the underlying inflation trend. Food and Energy is included in the Headline inflation which as you can see from the chart is much more volatile and changes direction quicker than core inflation. Its almost like an oscillator around the core inflation line. The Feds 2% Target It is clear that we are not at the Federal Reserve’s target inflation rate of 2% on both fronts (purple line). It is critical to understand that we are still not at or below the target 2% level regardless of the FOMC’s determination of a likely hold on interest rates and reductions to interest rates in 2024. Lets see can the target be met first. You can see that since 2002 Core CPI has fluctuated one standard deviation above and below the 2% inflation level between 1% and 3%. It is clear that we are not back into this standardised zone between 1 – 3%.
ECONOMICS:USIRYY
by PukaCharts
Core and Headline CPI (Release Tomorrow Thurs 11th Jan 2024)Core and Headline CPI NEW CPI Figures released tomorrow Thursday 11th Jan 2024 @ 7:30am Central (for the December 2023 month) U.S. Headline CPI Prev: 3.1% Exp: 3.2% Rep: TBC Tomorrow U.S. Core CPI Prev: 4.0% Exp: 3.8% Rep: TBC Tomorrow Will the US Core CPI finally fall below 4% for the first time since May 2021? Core vs Headline (the difference) You can clearly see how Core CPI is less volatile than Headline CPI on the chart. Core CPI removes the volatile food and energy expenditures to provide the underlying inflation trend. Food and Energy is included in the Headline inflation which as you can see from the chart is much more volatile and changes direction quicker than core inflation. Its almost like an oscillator around the core inflation line. The Feds 2% Target It is clear that we are not at the Federal Reserve’s target inflation rate of 2% on both fronts (purple line). It is critical to understand that we are still not at or below the target 2% level regardless of the FOMC’s determination of a likely hold on interest rates and reductions to interest rates in 2024. Lets see can the target be met first. You can see that since 2002 Core CPI has fluctuated one standard deviation above and below the 2% inflation level between 1% and 3%. It is clear that we are not back into this standardised zone between 1 – 3%. I’ll update you tomorrow with the released figures PUKA
ECONOMICS:USIRYY
by PukaCharts
Core and headline CPI - Update from 12 Dec 2023 The Core and Headline CPI Chart This CPI chart illustrates the following: - You can clearly see how Core CPI is less volatile than Headline CPI. Core CPI removes the volatile food and energy expenditures to provide a more general view of underlying inflation (based on a fixed basket of goods) - It is clear that we are not at the Federal Reserves target of 2% which is also outlined on the chart (purple line). It is critical to understand that we are still not at or below the target 2% level regardless of the FOMC’s determination of a likely hold on interest rates and reductions to interest rates in 2024. Lets see can the target be met first. - You can see that since 2002 Core CPI has fluctuated one standard deviation above and below the 2% inflation level between 1% and 3%. It is clear that we are not back into this standardised zone between 1 – 3%. Im sharing this chart now to lock it in as it will feature in tomorrows Macro Monday See you there PUKA
ECONOMICS:USIRYY
by PukaCharts
1
USD/JPY rebounds, US GDP, Tokyo Core CPI nextThe Japanese yen has stemmed a 3-day slide, in which it declined around 1.5% against the US dollar. In the European session, USD/JPY is trading at 149.31, down 0.23%. In the US, third estimate GDP for the second quarter is expected to be revised lower to 2.1%. Japan will release Tokyo Core CPI on Friday. The core rate, a key inflation gauge, is expected to ease to 2.6% y/y in August, down from 2.8% y/y in September. Core inflation has remained above the Bank of Japan's 2% inflation target for 15 consecutive months, which seems to indicate broad inflationary pressure. Still, Governor Ueda has said he will not phase out massive monetary stimulus, arguing that wages need to rise in order ensure that inflation remains sustainable around 2%. Japan's weak economy is making it easier for the BoJ to maintain its ultra-easy policy, and Friday's inflation release won't change the BoJ's stance. The Japanese yen has paid the price for the BoJ's insistence on maintaining an ultra-loose policy and has had only one winning week against the dollar since July. The US/Japan rate differential continues to rise as Japanese yields stay put while US Treasury yields continue to move higher. USD/JPY is close to the 150 line and could breach it shortly. This will put pressure on Tokyo to intervene in the currency markets to prop up the ailing Japanese currency. The US dollar is having an off day against the major currencies on Thursday, but the greenback has looked sharp against the majors lately. The markets are concerned that interest rates could remain higher for longer, as the US economy has been showing signs of resilience. Oil prices have hit $93 and are contributing to higher inflation - In August, US CPI rose from 3.3% to .3.7%. The futures markets have priced in a rate hike before the end of the year at 36.5%, which means the markets are uncertain if interest rates have peaked. There is resistance at 149.19 and 149.93 USD/JPY tested support at 148.79 earlier. Below, there is support at 148.05
by OANDA
CPI 13/09/23 CORE CPI (YoY): PREVIOUS: 4.7% FORECAST: 4.3% In the last 5 months of core cpi results, 3/5 actuals have equalled forecasts, with the last 2 months both coming in below forecast. This month is predicted to have the biggest percentage drop out of those previous months. CPI (YoY): PREVIOUS: 3.2% FORECAST:3.6% When looking at the CPI numbers in the same previous 5 months, 5/5 results have come in lower than forecast, could this be 6 in a row? This month we have conflicting forecasts with core CPI going up, but CPI dropping at the same time. With price hovering around the previous Higher Low, I'm interested to see if any event news volatility could cause a print of a lower low on the 1D timeline for the first time this year. Even if it's just a wick and not a full close on the daily, this could confirm a new HTF bearish bias. Added confluence for this would be the loss of the bullish trendline in red. Weeks of consolidation under that area after a bearish retest plus all 3 EMA's suggesting downtrend, Bitcoin has a lot of work to do. The large FVG needs filling at some point, and it looks to be on its way there currently. I'm always cautious going into these big news events, the first move is usually wrong so remember that.
INDEX:BTCUSDShort
by ProR35
2
USD/JPY breaks above 146, Tokyo Core CPI dips to 2.8%USD/JPY has posted small gains on Friday, enough to push above the symbolic 146 line. On the data calendar, Tokyo Core CPI dipped lower and Fed Chair Powell addresses the Jackson Hole Symposium later today. Japan released the Tokyo Core CPI earlier today. This is the first inflation release of the month, making it a key event. In August, Tokyo Core CPI rose 2.8% y/y, down from 3.0% in July and just under the consensus estimate of 2.9%. Despite the drop in inflation, the indicator has remained above the Bank of Japan's 2% target for some fifteen months. Earlier in the month, the so-called "core-core index", which excludes fresh food and energy, remained at 4.0%. This points to broad inflationary pressure and raises questions about the BoJ's insistence that inflation is transient. The BoJ has said it will not exit its ultra-loose monetary policy until wage growth rises enough to keep inflation sustainable around 2%. Still, the markets have been burned before by the BoJ making unexpected moves and are on guard for the BoJ tightening policy, especially with the yen at very low levels. The markets are keeping a close eye on the Jackson Hole symposium, with Fed Chair Powell and BoJ Governor Ueda both attending. Powell delivers a key speech on Friday and Ueda will participate in a panel discussion on Saturday. If either one provides insights into future rate policy, it could mean some volatility from USD/JPY on Monday. What does the Fed have planned? That depends on which Fed member is addressing the media. Philadelphia Fed President Patrick Harker said on Thursday that he didn't see a need to raise rates further, absent any unexpectedly poor data, but added that the Fed wouldn't be lowering rates anytime soon.  However, Boston Fed President Susan Collins said that rate increases might still be necessary. The Fed is likely to pause at the September meeting, but what happens after that is unclear. USD/JPY is facing resistance at 146.41, followed by 147.44 There is support at 145.54 and 144.51
by OANDA
AUD/USD edges lower, CPI nextThe Australian dollar is in negative territory on Tuesday. In the European session, AUD/USD is trading at 0.6898, down 0.21%. This follows a two-day rally in AUD/USD climbed over 2%. It could be a busy week for the Australian dollar, with Australia releasing CPI on Wednesday, followed by the US on Thursday. Australian headline inflation dropped to 6.9% in October, down from 7.3% a month earlier. The markets are bracing for inflation to rise again, with a forecast of 7.3% for December. As well, the trimmed mean rate (core CPI) is also expected to rise to 5.5%, up from 5.3%. The RBA is widely expected to continue its tightening at the February 7th meeting. The markets are currently pricing in a 25-basis point hike at 60%, and this will likely rise if inflation reverses directions and climbs higher on Wednesday, as expected. The RBA is well aware of the pain that high rates are causing to consumers and businesses and remains flexible with its rate policy. The minutes of the December meeting indicated that the RBA considered three options at that meeting - a 25 bp hike, a 50-bp hike and a pause. In the end, RBA members opted for the 25-bp increase. The Fed hasn't had much success in convincing the markets to adopt its outlook on interest rates. The markets have stubbornly clung to a dovish approach, pricing in a terminal rate of 4.93%. In contrast, the Fed dot plot indicates a terminal rate of 5-5.25%. But you can't fault the Fed for not trying. On Monday, two non-voting FOMC members reiterated the Fed's hawkish stance, saying that rates would likely rise above 5%. Atlanta Fed President Rafael Bostic said he expected rates to remain above the 5% level for "a long time" and that he would put rates on hold throughout 2024. Bostic added that if Thursday's inflation data showed inflation easing, it would strengthen the case for reducing the rate hike at the February meeting to 25 basis points. San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly echoed this stance, saying that holding rates at its peak for 11 months was a "reasonable starting point." If inflation is stronger than expected, the markets may listen a bit more closely. Conversely, a soft inflation release will make it harder for the Fed to convince the markets that it is not planning to wind up the current tightening cycle with a "one and done" hike in February. AUD/USD has support at 0.6703 and 0.6620 There is resistance at 0.6841 and 0.6969
by OANDA
USD/JPY calm as inflation rises higherThe Japanese yen has edged higher on Friday and is trading at 139.90 in the European session. Inflation continues to creep up in Japan. Core CPI accelerated to 3.6% in October, up from 3.0% in September and edging above the consensus of 3.5%. These levels pale in comparison to what we're seeing in the US, the UK and elsewhere, but Japan hasn't seen these levels of inflation in 40 years. The country has a deflationary mindset, which leads firms to absorb higher costs for fear of losing customers. However, as inflation continues to move higher, that trend is changing and consumers are feeling the pain of higher prices. Despite rising inflation and a weak yen, the Bank of Japan is resolute in maintaining its ultra-loose policy in order to support the weak economy. The BoJ has been an outlier as it has capped interest rates while the global trend has been to raise rates, arguing that cost-push inflation is only temporary. BoJ Governor Kuroda has said that inflation should peak after hitting 3%. Kuroda might want to consult with Jerome Powell or Christine Lagarde about making assumptions about inflation peaks, as they found out to their chagrin that inflation was much stickier than they had anticipated. Ever since the last US inflation report sent the equity markets soaring and the US dollar sliding, the Fed has circled the wagons and telegraphed a hawkish message to the markets. The latest salvo came from Fed member Bullard, who urged the Fed to raise rates to 5%-5.25% at a minimum. Bullard also presented a hawkish scenario in which the funds rate would climb all the way to 7%, a message investors clearly didn't want to hear. Retail sales and unemployment claims were better than expected, another indication that the US economy remains resilient handle further rate hikes. The Fed's coordinated message and the solid data have quelled the stock market rally and boosted the US dollar. USD/JPY is testing support at 139.95. Below, there is support at 138.09 There is resistance at 141.01 and 142.87
by OANDA
1
USD/JPY breaches 150USD/JPY is almost unchanged today but hit a milestone in the Asian session as it briefly darted above the 150 line, which has psychological significance. This marked the yen's lowest level since August 1990 as the currency continues to slide. The yen hasn't recorded a winning session since October 4th and has plunged about 600 points during this period. Later today, Japan releases Core CPI for September, which is expected to rise to 3.0%, up from 2.8% in August. The Bank of Japan holds its policy meeting next week, but it seems unlikely that it will change its ultra-loose policy. The yen is sinking and inflation is above the Bank's 2% target, but the central bank is fixated on continuing to provide massive stimulus in order to support the weak economy. Earlier today, Japan's 10-year government bonds breached the 0.25% cap which the BoJ has fiercely defended, rising as high as 0.264%. The BoJ has responded with an emergency bond-buying package in order to bring yields back below 0.25%. With the BoJ defending its policy and ignoring the yen's descent, the ball is in the court of the Ministry of Finance (MoF). The MoF dramatically intervened in late September to prop up the yen after it fell below 145, but the move did little more than slow the yen's descent for a few days. Another intervention is possible, but it would have to be on a larger scale to have any substantial effect on the exchange rate. Finance Minister Suzuki has warned that the government would "properly respond" in the currency markets, but increasingly, the verbal bullets out of Tokyo are being viewed as blanks. With the Federal Reserve showing no signs of easing up on oversize rate hikes, the yen remains at the mercy of the US/Japan rate differential, which continues to widen. The yen's prolonged downturn looks set to continue, with the currency likely to hit new lows. USD/JPY is testing support at 149.81. Below, there is support at 149.09 There is resistance at 150.04 and 151.32
by OANDA
1
GBP/USD steadies after rallyGBP/USD has edged lower today, after starting the week with sharp gains. In the North American session, GBP/USD is trading at 1.1334, down 0.18%. The pound continues to show strong volatility as the political saga continues in the UK. Truss finally stopped blaming the markets and "global headwinds" for the decline of the British pound and UK gilts on Monday, saying she was sorry for going too "far and too fast" with her economic plan. Truss has insisted she will continue on as leader, but the restless Conservatives, who have sunk in the polls, could decide to pull the plug on Truss' disastrous leadership. Jeremy Hunt, the new finance minister, wasted no time in abolishing most of the tax cuts contained in the recent mini-budget and told parliament that spending cuts and tax increases were coming, an astounding U-turn. Hunt scaled back the plan to cap energy bills for consumers and that could mean higher inflation. The markets liked what they heard and the pound soared by 1.5% on Monday. Still, the soft economic outlook and the political chaos which has rocked the UK are strong headwinds which will likely weigh on the pound. The UK releases CPI for September on Wednesday, which is expected to edge higher. Headline inflation is projected to hit 10.0%, up from 9.9%, and core CPI is forecast to rise to 6.4%, up from 6.3%. With no sign of inflation peaking, the Bank of England remains under pressure to continue raising interest rates at the November 3rd meeting. Goldman Sachs has downgraded its UK growth outlook, with the economy expected to decline by 1% in 2023, worse than the previous estimate of -0.4%. GBP/USD faces resistance at 1.1373 and 1.1455 There is support at 1.1214 and 1.1085
by OANDA
USD/JPY breaks above 149USD/JPY has edged higher today and is currently trading at 149.17. The yen has fallen for eight straight sessions, losing 500 points in that time. The yen continues to set new 24-year-old lows as the dollar/yen has pushed above the 149 line. This is a higher level than when the government intervened last month, which marked the first intervention since 1998. Officials have reacted to the yen's latest slide with familiar verbal rhetoric. Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Masazumi Wakatabe has said that the yen's recent fluctuations were "clearly too rapid and too one-sided". Wakatabe added that there was no contradiction between currency intervention to prop up the yen and the BoJ's ultra-low interest rate policy, which has been the driver of the yen's poor performance this year. Prime Minister Kishida said on Saturday that the BoJ would have to maintain policy until wages rose, and the BoJ has not shown any signs of rethinking its policy, even with the yen sliding and inflation remaining above the central bank's target of 2%. Japan's core CPI rose 2.8% in August, the fifth straight month that it has exceeded the 2% level. The key question is whether the government again step in and intervene in the currency markets. The first intervention clearly didn't achieve its desired effect of stabilizing the yen below 145 and Japan's foreign reserves fell by a record amount in September, around 2.8 trillion yen. The game of cat-and-mouse between the government and speculators betting against the yen continues, and another currency intervention could be in the works, but it would likely have to be much larger than the first intervention in order to have a more lasting effect. USD/JPY faces resistance at 150.04 and 151.32 There is support at 148.85 and 147.58
by OANDA
AUD/USD falls to new 18-month lowAUD/USD continues to lose ground and can't find its footing. The Aussie started the week on the wrong foot, with a decline of 1.0% on Monday. In today's European session, AUD/USD is trading at 0.6266 down 0.52%. Earlier the day, the Australian dollar fell to 0.6247, its lowest level since April 2020. Australia has posted weak numbers this week, adding to the downward pressure on the ailing Australian dollar. The Services PMI fell into contraction territory with a reading of 48.0 in September, down from 53.3 in August, as the uncertain economic outlook is weighing on business activity. Business confidence levels are down, with NAB business confidence slowing to 5 in September, down from 10 in August. Westpac Consumer Sentiment indicated that consumers are also in a sour mood, with a reading of -0.9% in September after a gain of 3.9% in August, which was the sole gain over the past 11 months. Risk appetite has been dampened by the escalating crisis in the Ukraine war, with Russia annexing parts of occupied Ukraine and firing missiles at civilian targets. As well, the energy crisis is looming over Western Europe, just weeks ahead of winter. This is weighing on the risk-sensitive Australian dollar. In the US, inflation releases have taken on added significance, as the Federal Reserve has designated soaring inflation as public enemy number one. The US releases PPI data on Wednesday and CPI a day later. Headline inflation has dropped over the past two months, but remains at 8.3%. Unless headline and core inflation both surprise with much lower readings than expected, I don't anticipate any change in course from the Fed. If inflation underperforms, the US dollar could lose ground. Conversely, a higher-than-expected inflation report would be bullish for the US dollar. AUD/USD tested resistance at 0.6503 in the Asian session. The next resistance line is 0.6607 There is support at 0.6433 and 0.6329
by OANDA
Euro inflation rises, but euro yawnsThe euro continues to have a calm week. In the North American session, EUR/USD is showing little movement as it trades a whisker above the parity line. Inflation in the eurozone continues to move higher. In August, CPI rose to 9.1%, up from the July gain of 8.9%, which was a record high. Core inflation climbed to 4.3%, up from 4.0%. With both the headline and core readings exceeding the forecast of 9.0% and 4.1%, respectively, there will be additional pressure on the ECB to tighten policy more at an accelerated pace. The central bank has been slow to shift its accommodative policy, which was in place for years in order to support the eurozone economy. The ECB now finds itself playing catch-up with inflation, and is also far behind in the tightening cycle compared to other major central banks, with a benchmark rate of just 0.50%. Inflationary pressures remain broad-based, which means inflation is well-supported and unlikely to decline anytime soon. The eurozone inflation report comes just a day after Germany, the largest economy in the bloc, reported that August inflation jumped to 7.9%, up from 7.5% in July and nudging above the forecast of 7.8%. The central bank meets next on September 8th, and there is a strong possibility that the ECB could come out with guns blazing and deliver a super-size 75 basis point increase. A potential energy crisis in Europe continues to hover like a dark cloud, and the uncertainty over whether Moscow will weaponise energy exports remains a massive concern. The Nord Stream 1 pipeline has been shuttered for a scheduled three-day maintenance, but there are fears that Russia will find some excuse and not renew gas flows on Saturday. Any disruptions would likely push European gas prices even higher. In the meantime, the waiting game is on, with Western Europe on edge while it anxiously waits for the gas taps to be turned back on. EUR/USD has support at 0.9985 and 0.9880 1.0068 is a weak resistance line, followed by 1.0173
by OANDA
Yen rises as Russia launches invasionHopes that diplomatic moves could avert a Russian invasion of Ukraine were shattered early Thursday, as Russia launched a full-scale attack. The move was not all that surprising, given the massive Russian buildup on the border with Ukraine during the past few weeks. Still, the fighting in the heart of Europe has weighed heavily on the financial markets, as risk appetite has fallen sharply. The safe-haven Japanese yen has gained ground and is trading at 3-week highs. Western leaders have strongly condemned the Russian military operation, with NATO's secretary-general calling it 'a brutal act of war'. There will clearly be more sanctions headed Moscow's way, but it's doubtful that this will dissuade Russian President Putin from his aim to force Ukraine back into the Russian orbit. Western Europe is dependent on Russian natural gas and with the US showing no appetite for military intervention, things are looking extremely bleak for pro-Western Ukrainian President Zelensky. On the economic calendar, Japan releases Tokyo Core CPI for February later today. CPI is expected to rise to 0.4%, up from 0.2% in January. Earlier in the week, BoJ Core CPI, the central bank’s preferred inflation gauge, rose 0.8%, lower than the 0.9% gain beforehand. Japan's inflation has been moving higher, although nowhere near the clip we've seen in the US and the UK. Still, with the Russian invasion in Ukraine likely to push energy prices even higher, inflation in Japan should continue on an upswing. Brent crude pushed above USD 100 for the first time since 2014, as the Ukraine conflict threatens to disrupt oil deliveries from Russia, a major producer. The timing couldn't be worse for the central banks of the major economies, which are struggling to contain red-hot inflation. The Fed is still expected to hike rates in March, but it may have to put a pause on additional hikes if economic conditions deteriorate. The 100-DMA at 114.35 is providing support. Close by, there is support at 114.16 115.68 is under pressure as resistance. Above, there is resistance at 116.30
by OANDA
Yen edges below 116, inflation nextThe Japanese yen has edged higher and is back below the 116 level. Still, the yen remains vulnerable, especially with US treasury yields moving higher. Earlier in the week, USD/JPY broke above116 line for the first time since January 2017. The dollar has managed to push the yen to 5-year lows on the back of rising US Treasury yields. The 10-year yield, which finished 2021 above the 1.50% level, hasn’t missed a beat in the first week of 2022 and has pushed above 1.70%. The widening US/Japan rate differential has been weighing on the yen, which is extremely sensitive to the rate differential. If US yields remain high, I would not be surprised to see USD/JPY break past the 118 mark over the coming weeks. Inflation has become a hot topic for the Federal Reserve and the BoE, as policymakers must deal with inflation levels that are double or triple the banks’ inflation target of 2%. In Japan, inflation has been at low levels for years, with deflation a constant problem. However, Japan hasn’t been immune to surging energy costs and rising prices of raw materials, and inflation is now getting some attention from the Bank of Japan. We’ll get a look at Tokyo Core CPI for December later in the day, which is expected to rise to 0.5% y/y, up from 0.3% in November. With the FOMC minutes behind us, the markets are anxiously awaiting Friday’s nonfarm payroll report. The ADP employment report surprised to the upside, with a massive 807 thousand new jobs, double the consensus of 400 thousand. The huge gain led Goldman Sachs to upwardly revise its forecast by 50 thousand to 500 thousand and some analysts are projecting a print north of the 1-million mark. Still, it should be remembered that the ADP report has not been a reliable indicator for nonfarm payrolls. The consensus for the NFP stands at 424 thousand, and if the reading comes in below expectations, we could see the US dollar falter as a weak NFP could delay the timeframe for the first rate hike of 2022. USD/JPY is putting pressure on resistance at 115.78. Above, there is resistance at 116.38 There is support at 114.54 and 113.98
by OANDA
Dollar-yen recaptures 115The US dollar has again pushed the Japanese yen above the 115 line, after breaking through the symbolic level on Wednesday. The US dollar has been showing broad weakness but has managed to push the yen back above the 115 level. Earlier in the day, USD/JPY rose to 115.22, marking a 5-week high. There are two reasons why the yen hasn't been able to take advantage of a weaker dollar. First, the pair is extremely sensitive to the yield differential, and a disappointing seven-year Treasury auction resulted in 10-year yields rising to a 3-week high, boosting USD/JPY. As well, we continue to see elevated risk appetite in the markets despite the explosion in Omicron cases. Governments are scrambling to deal with this newest Covid wave, as hospitals could be overrun by unvaccinated persons becoming infected. The markets, however, continue to rely on reports that Omicron is much less severe than Delta and will not cause the economic damage that we saw with Delta, despite the new all-time highs in cases in the US, France and elsewhere. Inflation is on the rise in Japan. Although the numbers pale in comparison to those in the US or the UK, this is a significant development, considering that Japan has grappled with deflation for years. Earlier in the week, BoJ Core CPI, the bank's preferred inflation gauge, rose 0.8% in November, its highest level since February 2018. This beat the consensus of 0.5%. The uptick we are seeing in inflation will be welcome news at the Bank of Japan and should ease policy makers' concerns about deflation. The bank's inflation target of 2% remains a long way off, but inflation could move higher if the Omicron wave does not derail economic activity.
by OANDA
US dollar closes in on 115 yen levelThe Japanese yen is unchanged on Tuesday, after starting the week with losses. With USD/JPY currently trading around the 114.80 level, it appears that the 115 line will be breached, perhaps as early as this week. The pair last breached this psychologically-important level a month ago, but was unable to  consolidate above this line. Inflation has been at the top of agenda for months for the Federal Reserve and the Bank of England, as inflation remains well above the banks' two percent inflation target. The "I" word hasn't caused such alarm in Japan, but it is certainly unusual to be discussing higher inflation levels in Japan, given that the country has had deflation for years. Inflation has been at the top of agenda for months for the Federal Reserve and the Bank of England, as inflation remains well above the banks' two percent inflation target. The "I" word hasn't caused such alarm in Japan, but it is certainly unusual to be discussing higher inflation levels in Japan, given that the country has suffered with deflation for years. There was further confirmation on Tuesday that inflation is slowly on the rise in the world's second largest economy. BoJ Core CPI, the bank's preferred inflation gauge, rose 0.8% in November, its highest level since February 2018. This beat the consensus of 0.5%. The uptick we are seeing in inflation will be welcome news at the Bank of Japan, and should ease policymakers concerns about deflation. The bank's inflation target of 2% remains a long way off, but inflation could move higher if the Omicron does not derail economic activity. Japan's economy is expected to expand 6.4% in Q4, after a contraction of -3.6% in the third quarter. However, such robust growth will be highly dependent on the Omicron variant not causing a sharp downturn, which remains a nagging uncertainty. Although Omicron appears to be less severe than Delta, it is much more contagious, and there are fears that hospitals could find themselves overstretched due to a huge influx of unvaccinated persons. USD/JPY continues to put pressure on resistance at 114.83. Above, there is resistance at 115.26 There is support at 112.90 and 112.47
by yesfish
Yen dips despite stronger JPY retail salesThe Japanese yen continues to lose ground. The yen suffered a third straight losing week, and the trend has continued on Monday. With USD/JPY currently trading around the 114.70 level, the 115 line is vulnerable. The pair last breached this symbolic level a month ago, but the dollar couldn't consolidate above this level. Japan's retail sales overperforms Christmas week started off on a positive note, as Japan Retail Sales for November posted a strong gain of 1.9% y/y, ahead of the consensus of 1.7% and above the 0.9% gain in October. Consumers were out in force as Covid-19 cases fell during November. Still, the Omicron variant has started to spread in Japan's major cities, leading to fears that the government could impose health restrictions or that consumers will stay at home to avoid contracting Omicron. Japan is set on spending its way to a stronger economy, and parliament approved a record 10.8 trillion yen budget on Friday, which includes payouts to households and businesses hit by Covid. Japan's economy is expected to roar back in Q4, with a consensus of 6.4% growth, after a contraction of -3.6% in the third quarter. Inflation is on the rise in Japan. In November, Core CPI rose 0.5% y/y, above the consensus of 0.4%. That might seem insignificant compared with inflation numbers in the UK and the United States, but given that inflation has been negligible for years in Japan, this is certainly a change in direction. The uptick in inflation will be welcome news at the Bank of Japan, and should ease policymakers' concerns about deflation. The bank's inflation target of 2% remains a long way off, but inflation could move higher if the Omicron does not derail economic activity. USD/JPY is putting pressure on resistance at 114.82. Above, there is resistance at 115.26 There is support at 113.65 and 112.90
by OANDA
CAD drifting, Manufacturing Sales nextOn Thursday, the Canadian dollar has posted small gains. In the North American session, USD/CAD is trading at 1.2147, up 0.11% on the day. The Canadian dollar has been on a tear lately. USD/CAD has fallen 1.32% in May and the Canadian dollar hasn't suffered a losing week since March. Canada's economic recovery has been bumpy and lockdown restrictions remain in place, but the Canadian dollar has jumped on the bandwagon and posted impressive gains against a wobbly US dollar, which has struggled in the second quarter. Canada releases Manufacturing Sales on Friday (12:30 GMT). The February reading hit a 6-month low, at -1.6%. However, we expect a strong rebound for March, with a consensus of 3.5%. If the release is within expectations, we could see the Canadian dollar respond with gains. We've been hearing about inflationary pressures in the US for months, and the April inflation report confirmed these concerns. CPI was much higher than anticipated. Headline CPI jumped 4.2% year-on-year, up from 2.6% and above the estimate of 3.6%. The surge in inflation has increased speculation that the Fed may consider reducing its asset-purchase programme of USD120 billion sooner rather than later. Such a tightening of policy would be bullish for the US dollar. Investors are clearly concerned that higher inflation is not temporary, but how will the Fed respond? On Tuesday, prior to the CPI release, Fed Governor Lael Brainard said that inflation risks are a "transitory surge" and urged the Fed to remain patient and continue its ultra-dovish monetary policy. Brainard pointed to the weak nonfarm payrolls report last week as an indication that the US recovery still has a ways to go, saying that, "today, by any measure, employment remains far from our goals.” There are voices calling for a re-examination of the Fed's current policy, as Fed member Robert Kaplan stated recently. For the time being, however, the Fed remains committed to its ultra-accommodative policy. If upcoming inflation reports show that higher inflation appears to be sustainable, the Fed may have to backtrack and take a hard look at tapering QE.
by OANDA