In this comprehensive analysis, Ultima Markets brings you an insightful breakdown of the USDJPY for 14th November 2023. 

Key Takeaways 

• The widening interest rate gap is the fundamental factor: On October 31, the Bank of Japan further relaxed its control on government bond yields, while the Federal Reserve still has the possibility of raising interest rates. The policy interest rate gap between the two continues to widen, causing the Japanese yen to fall into a continued depreciation trend. 
• Carry trade is a booster: The interest rate differential between the two countries and the recent continued low volatility of the yen also encourage carry trade. It is a strategy of selling low-interest Japanese yen funds in exchange for high-yielding currencies. This is a contributing factor that keeps the yen under pressure. 
• The Japanese yen unexpectedly surged: The Japanese yen unexpectedly surged during the U.S. trading session yesterday, which once made the market think that the Bank of Japan had intervened. However, according to the current news, it may be an appreciation fluctuation caused by the adjustment of Japanese yen options positions. Previously, when asked whether he was prepared to intervene in the foreign exchange market or take other measures to curb the yen’s decline, Japan’s top monetary official Masato Kanda said that the authorities “are on standby.” 
• Frightened Japanese Yen: If the U.S. economic data released this week is good, the Fed’s suspense about raising interest rates will remain. This could push USD/JPY towards the 152 range. However, the continued depreciation of the yen will make the market continue to be wary of the intervention of the Bank of Japan. Once there are signs of appreciation of the yen, the withdrawal of profit-making positions and traders preparing to go long yen on the sidelines will cause the dollar to experience a rapid downward trend against the yen. 

Technical Analysis 

Weekly Chart Insights 

• Stochastic Oscillator: The indicator has entered the oversold range, and the selling pressure is serious. You need to be alert to the coming of a short-term intraday rebound in the market. 
• Moving average: After the 5-day moving average completely fell below the 200-day moving average, the market did not show an effective rebound structure, and the two consecutive days of decline may take some time to correct. The rebound target price is looking towards the 5-day moving average. 

1-hour Chart Analysis 

• Stochastic oscillator: The indicator has sent a long signal, and oil prices have a certain rebound momentum. However, oil prices cannot rebound lightly until they break through the 81.316 level. 
• Price Action: Oil prices are currently in a strong downward trend, and you cannot arbitrarily choose to enter the market at the bottom. Although the current indicators are suggesting that a rebound is imminent, we need to wait for a clear bullish structure before making a correction. 

Pivot Indicator 

• According to the pivot indicator in Ultima Markets MT4, the central price of the day is established at 81.178, 
• Bullish Scenario: Bullish sentiment prevails above 81.178, first target 82.268, second target 83.852; 
• Bearish Outlook: In a bearish scenario below 81.178, first target 79.594, second target 78.519. 

Conclusion 

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For personalized guidance tailored to your specific financial situation, please do not hesitate to contact Ultima Markets. 

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Disclaimer   

Comments, news, research, analysis, price, and all information contained in the article only serve as general information for readers and do not suggest any advice. Ultima Markets has taken reasonable measures to provide up-to-date information, but cannot guarantee accuracy, and may modify without notice. Ultima Markets will not be responsible for any loss incurred due to the application of the information provided.  

The Impact of BOE and FED Decisions on the British Pound and Economy

The British pound has seen a remarkable resurgence in recent times, climbing above the $1.23 mark against the US dollar. This is the highest level for the pound since mid-October 2022.

The rise can be attributed to key decisions and outlooks from both the Bank of England (BOE) and the US Federal Reserve.

Factors Driving the Pound’s Rise

Several factors related to the stances of the BOE and Fed have contributed to lifting the pound:

• Fed holds interest rates steady – The Fed’s decision not to raise rates further due to signs of slowing US job growth has boosted confidence in the pound as an investment option compared to the dollar.
• BOE maintains firm interest rate stance – By holding its key rate at a 15-year high of 5.25%, the BOE has signaled its commitment to stability and shored up faith in the pound.
• Reassurance from Governor Bailey – Comments from BOE Governor Andrew Bailey signaling no near-term rate cuts and upholding guidance on further hikes has reinforced the bank’s position.

(GBP/USD 1-year Chart) 

Bank of England Outlook and Policy

The BOE has provided clarity around its monetary policy outlook and intentions:

• No rate cuts expected soon – Bailey has indicated rate reductions are not on the horizon, offering certainty to markets.
• Potential 3 quarter-point cuts by end 2024 – Markets speculate up to 75 basis points in cuts could come in 2024 as the BOE eyes the weak growth outlook.
• On track to meet inflation target – BOE forecasts show inflation is slated to halve by year-end to meet the 2% target.
• Inflation to remain above target until late 2025 – Projections see inflation at 3.1% in Q4 2024 before declining to 1.9% in Q4 2025, underscoring the bank’s anti-inflation stance.

Bank of England Interest Rate Projections

Period	Interest Rate Projection
Q4 2022	5.25%
Q4 2023	4.50%
Q4 2024	3.75%
Q4 2025	3.00%

(United Kingdom Interest Rate, BOE)

Economic Headwinds Facing the UK

While positive for the pound, the BOE has cautioned around significant challenges for the UK economy:

• Q3 growth stagnation – Economic expansion stalled in the third quarter of 2022.
• Minimal Q4 growth expected – Forecasts show just 0.1% GDP growth to close out 2022.
• Subdued 2023 growth outlook – The BOE sees the UK economy contracting throughout 2023.
• High energy costs hit output – Expensive energy is forcing firms to cut back production.
• Labor market concerns – Despite low unemployment, weak wage growth and poor productivity weigh on the economy.
• Global slowdown impacts exports – Weaker EU and US markets are dampening demand for UK exports.

Impact on the British Pound

The pound’s rally indicates it remains an attractive safe-haven currency investment despite clouds on the UK’s economic horizon:

• BOE policy credibility supports pound – The central bank’s consistency and transparency in laying out its policy intentions instills market trust in the pound.
• UK rate advantage persists over dollar – The Fed being closer than the BOE to ending its tightening cycle preserves higher yield appeal for sterling.
• Inflation fight remains intact – The BOE’s commitment to getting inflation down reinforces the pound as a stable store of value.
• Economic challenges mainly priced in – Markets have largely priced in the headwinds facing the UK economy, limiting downside for the pound.

Conclusion

In summary, the BOE and Fed’s policy signaling has provided key support for the British pound’s surge above $1.23.

Despite economic struggles ahead, the UK central bank’s firm anti-inflation stance and rate advantage over the dollar are likely to continue underpinning sterling strength.

However, further dollar gains on aggressive Fed tightening or an unanticipated BOE pivot on rates pose risks.

Overall, the pound looks set to remain on solid footing as long as the BOE maintains policy credibility.

FOMC meeting minutes published 

The U.S. Federal Reserve released the minutes of its September meeting on the 11th. To bring inflation back to the 2% target, maintaining a restrictive monetary policy is key. Most officials judged that it may be appropriate to raise interest rates again at future meetings. Some, however, believed that further interest rate hikes were not necessary. The minutes of the meeting also pointed out that the U.S. economy is expanding at a stable pace and the labor market is gradually reaching balance. However, inflation continues to be higher than the Federal Reserve’s target. Federal Reserve officials estimate that economic growth must fall below 1.8% to allow the trend of rising prices to be eased. 

Sep. PPI increased 0.5% MoM 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also released inflation data. Producer prices in the US rose 0.5% month-over-month in September 2023, the least in three months, following a 0.7% rise in August, but above market forecasts of 0.3%. Goods prices were up 0.9%, prompted by a 5.4% surge in gasoline cost. 

(PPI MoM , U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) 

Sep. Core PPI increased 0.3% MoM 

Core producer prices in the United States were up by 0.3% over the previous month in September of 2023, following a 0.2% rise in the previous month and slightly above market expectations of a 0.2% increase. On a yearly basis, core consumer prices advanced by 2.7%, after an upwardly revised 2.5% rise in August and surpassing market estimates of a 2.3% increase, which might prompt the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates elevated for an extended period. 

( Core PPI MoM , US Bureau of Labor Statistics) 

Rising bond yields could reduce expectations for rate hikes 

FOMC has raised its benchmark interest rate 11 times to a target range of 5.25% to 5.5%, a 22-year high. Treasury yields have been rising sharply after the last meeting. If the situation persists, rising yields could eliminate the need for another rate hike. 

Disclaimer  

Comments, news, research, analysis, price, and all information contained in the article only serve as general information for readers and do not suggest any advice. Ultima Markets has taken reasonable measures to provide up-to-date information, but cannot guarantee accuracy, and may modify without notice. Ultima Markets will not be responsible for any loss incurred due to the application of the information provided. 

Federal Reserve Interest Rate Stability

The Federal Reserve (FED) held rates still at 5.25 to 5.5%. Chairman Powell said at a press conference after the meeting, “We will continue to make interest rate decisions on a case-by-case basis based on all data and the impact on economic activity and the outlook for inflation. ” 

Chairman Powell’s Insights

Powell said that there is still great uncertainty about the timing of interest rate cuts. The forecast for 2024 is only a current estimate.

He believes that the time for interest rate cuts in 2024 will always come, but he said that he would not specify a specific time. He believes that the labor market will eventually weaken, but must proceed with caution, believing that the failure to restore price stability is a more serious problem. 

Interest Rate Projections

Judging from the interest projections released with the statement, the FED is expected to raise interest rates by another 25 basis points this year, with interest rates peaking at 5.50%-5.75 %.

Technology stocks will be under increasing pressure as rising interest rates push up bond yields, attracting investors to shift more cash into the bond market. 

(FOMC interest rate target level, FOMC) 

Revised GDP Forecasts

The FED believes that the U.S. economy is improving and has revised its 2023 gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast upward to 2.1% from the 1.0% forecast in June. It has also revised the GDP forecast from 1.1% to 1.5% for 2024. The forecast value for 2026 was first announced at 1.8%.  

(GDP Forecast, FOMC) 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Federal Reserve’s decision to maintain interest rates and revise GDP forecasts upwards in October 2023 is a clear indication of its faith in the U.S. economic outlook.

The FED’s cautious approach to interest rates, its commitment to data-driven decision-making, and its unwavering focus on price stability will play pivotal roles in steering the nation toward sustainable economic growth and stability in the years to come.

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Disclaimer  

Comments, news, research, analysis, price, and all information contained in the article only serve as general information for readers and do not suggest any advice. Ultima Markets has taken reasonable measures to provide up-to-date information, but cannot guarantee accuracy, and may modify without notice. Ultima Markets will not be responsible for any loss incurred due to the application of the information provided.