According to Scotiabank analysts, the Japanese Yen is showing strength amidst weak USD conditions

    by VT Markets
    /
    Jun 18, 2025

    The Japanese Yen is advancing with a 0.3% gain, surpassing almost all G10 currencies amidst a slightly weaker US Dollar. This development follows the release of encouraging trade figures for May, showing a smaller than expected deficit.

    Japan’s inflation remains above 3%, influencing the Bank of Japan’s ongoing policy adjustments. The national Consumer Price Index figures, due after Thursday’s North American market close, are a focal point this week.

    Usd Jpy Pair Analysis

    The USD/JPY pair is experiencing resistance at the 145 level, with short-term support observed near 142.50. This context is key to understanding the Yen’s current market trajectory.

    Global financial markets face challenges ahead of the Federal Reserve’s pending rate decision. Key currency pairs, like EUR/USD and GBP/USD, show movements reflecting anticipation around this announcement.

    Gold maintains stability near $3,400 per troy ounce, affected by geopolitical and trade concerns. Simultaneously, cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP continue to hold key support levels amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

    Forex Market Risks And Strategies

    Forex markets, along with various financial instruments, involve inherent risks. Thorough research and an understanding of financial strategies remain essential for participants in these markets.

    With the Yen gaining ground and holding its position against almost every other G10 currency, we observe a market that’s responding not just to stronger domestic data, but also to an environment where the US Dollar is giving up some recent strength. That trade data surprised to the upside—May’s deficit didn’t widen quite as much as predicted, and that alone gives the Japanese currency a bit more credibility this week. But there’s more going on than just improved numbers.

    Inflation in Japan still sits above the 3% mark, and that continues to pressure monetary authorities in Tokyo. There isn’t just concern about where inflation stands—there’s a great deal of attention on how it’s behaving across sectors. Given that, the Consumer Price Index figures due shortly could shift sentiment quickly. Depending on what we see in that release, we might need to revisit assumptions regarding the central bank’s guidance over the next quarter—adjustments are on the table.

    The 145 handle on the Dollar-Yen remains firm; that level hasn’t broken cleanly despite a few tests. On the downside, 142.50 is showing up repeatedly as an area buyers step back in. What we’re noting here is a narrowing compression range, and this tends to result in a directional breakout. Options traders will be watching implied vol across both ends of that channel, with activity picking up particularly post-CPI.

    Across the Atlantic, the Dollar’s movements continue to impact EUR and GBP pairs. Most changes now feel tethered to the Fed’s next announcement, and we can see this with implied rate probabilities shifting slightly each session. In particular, there’s been increasing divergence in swaps pricing versus publicly available central bank rhetoric. That could mean some bets will unwind quickly once the Federal Reserve makes its move—that reaction will offer opportunity if timed carefully.

    Meanwhile, gold remains somewhat stuck. It’s not being driven entirely by rate expectations like it used to be; instead, there’s now more sensitivity to external risks. The price staying near $3,400 per ounce shows a preference for stability while investors keep an eye on both conflict risks and trade headlines. Flows into gold ETFs have picked up a touch, although nothing appears rushed or panicked.

    Digital assets have also steadied. Bitcoin and Ethereum aren’t climbing strongly, but they’re also refusing to break below mid-range supports. The current situation could reverse quickly—but for now, as long as those levels hold, we treat them as structural floors. We’ve noticed higher open interest across short-dated contracts, suggesting more traders may be positioning for movement rather than passively holding.

    All in all, it’s not a moment for complacency—it rarely is—but watching support and resistance in both FX and other instruments is back in focus. Directional conviction across markets remains limited ahead of the central bank event. But when those decisions come, reactions across multiple asset classes are likely to follow quickly, providing potential openings for well-calibrated positions.

    Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

    see more

    Back To Top
    Chatbots