USD/JPY Price Analysis – April 10, 2025
Daily Price Outlook
During the early European trading session, the USD/JPY currency pair showed signs of weakness, edging lower as the market awaited key inflation data from the US.
The pair remained under pressure, with market participants opting to remain on the sidelines ahead of the release of the highly anticipated US Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI) data later in the week.
These reports are expected to offer fresh clues on the future path of US interest rates, which could heavily influence the US Dollar's trajectory and provide fresh momentum to the USD/JPY pair.
Divergence in Central Bank Policies Weighs on USD/JPY
However, the near-term bias for the USD/JPY pair seems to favor the Japanese Yen (JPY) bulls, fueled by growing expectations that the Bank of Japan (BoJ) could raise interest rates further.
This outlook is supported by stronger-than-expected Producer Price Index (PPI) data from Japan, which revealed a 0.4% rise in March, bringing the annual increase to 4.2%.
These higher-than-expected figures could lead to a potential increase in consumer prices, which in turn would strengthen the case for further policy tightening by the BoJ.
In contrast, the Federal Reserve (Fed) is facing growing expectations for multiple interest rate cuts, as the US economy shows signs of inflationary pressure and slowing growth, exacerbated by trade tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.
This divergence in central bank policies—hawkish expectations from the BoJ and dovish projections for the Fed—creates a bearish environment for the USD, which in turn supports the JPY.
US Inflation Data Could Provide New Direction for USD/JPY
Market sentiment surrounding the USD/JPY pair was also influenced by the ongoing developments in global trade. President Trump's agreement to meet with Japanese officials to discuss trade relations and the subsequent comments from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who suggested that Japan might become a priority in tariff negotiations, added an additional layer of support for the JPY.
Therefore, the potential for a US-Japan trade deal remains on the table, contributing to a more favorable outlook for the Japanese Yen.
In addition, the market was buoyed by a temporary rebound in the US Dollar after President Trump announced a 90-day pause on tariff increases for most countries, reducing some of the global trade uncertainties. This move helped lift equity markets, with the S&P 500 registering its biggest daily gain since 2008.
However, this optimism was tempered by the Fed's cautious stance, as revealed in the March FOMC meeting minutes. The minutes showed that officials were concerned about higher inflation and slower growth, urging caution in rate-cut decisions.
Traders are now expecting the Fed to hold off on further rate cuts until at least June, with only 75 basis points of reductions priced in by the end of the year. This cautious outlook has left USD bulls hesitant to make significant moves ahead of the US inflation reports, further contributing to the JPY's strength.
USD/JPY – Technical Analysis
USD/JPY is trading near 146.74 after slipping below the 147.00 threshold, with resistance at 148.08 capping recent gains. Despite an earlier push higher, the pair has retreated toward the 146.64 pivot zone, which now acts as a key inflection point.
The 50 EMA at 146.43 provides nearby support, and a sustained move above 148.08 would be needed to signal bullish continuation toward 148.98 and potentially 150.53.
On the downside, 146.43 is the level to watch. A break below exposes the pair to further losses toward 145.86 and 144.97. The RSI reads 52.72, suggesting neutral-to-bullish momentum, though upside conviction remains soft.
Price is currently rangebound, with traders awaiting cues from upcoming U.S. inflation data and broader risk sentiment shifts. Unless USD/JPY breaks through 148.08, buyers may remain sidelined.
Momentum is tentative. A move above 148.08 may revive bullish sentiment, but holding above 146.64 is critical for near-term upside.
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