empty
InstaForex Loprais Team - Official participant of the Dakar rally
InstaForex Loprais Team - Official participant of the Dakar rally
This section is designed for those who are just starting their trading journey. InstaForex educational and analytical materials will meet your training needs. Our experts' recommendations will make your first steps to trading success simple and clear.
Start as Beginner
How to start trading
Useful information
Training and recordings
InstaForex innovative services are an essential element of productive investment. We strive to provide our clients with advanced technical capabilities and make their trading routine comfortable as we are recognized as the best broker in this regard.
Become Investor
PAMM System
ForexCopy System
Passive investments
Partnership with InstaForex is beneficial and top-tier. Join our affiliate programs and enjoy bonuses, partner rewards, and the possibility to travel with the team of the world-renowned brand.
Become Partner
Main Page
Partner Area
Advantages for Affiliates
Registration
This section contains the most lucrative offers from InstaForex. Receive bonuses when topping up an account, compete with other traders, and get real prizes even when trading in a demo account.
All Promo Campaigns
Bonuses
Contests
Events
Holidays with InstaForex are not only pleasant but also useful. We offer a one-stop portal, numerous forums, and corporate blogs, where traders can exchange experiences and become successfully integrated into the Forex community.
Full details
Forums
We are in social networks
Forex humour
Forex Portal
InstaForex is an international brand created in 2007. The company provides services for online FX trading and is recognized as one of the world's leading brokers. We have won the trust of more than 7,000,000 retail traders, who have already appreciated our reliability and focus on innovations.
Learn More
History
Why Choose Us
InstaSport
Regulation
Company News
Awards
InstaForex Stars
InstaForex Offline
Headquarters
Key documents
Social Responsibility
21.02.2025 01:34 PM
USD/JPY: Inflation, Kato's Statement, and the Outlook for a Downward Trend
Open trading account Open demo account

The USD/JPY pair hit a nearly two-month low, reacting to Japan's January inflation report, but then sharply reversed following an unexpected statement from Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato.During Friday's Asian session, the pair dropped to 149.30 (the Kijun-sen line on the weekly chart) as traders reacted to inflation data that exceeded even the most optimistic forecasts. All key components of the report came in stronger than expected, reinforcing concerns about persistent price pressures.

This image is no longer relevant

Despite the strong inflation figures, sellers failed to push USD/JPY below the 149.30 support level and into the 148.00 range. The pair unexpectedly reversed and climbed back to the 150.00 level, largely due to Kato's comments, which put pressure on the yen. This allowed buyers to reclaim part of their lost positions.

However, trusting this rebound may not be advisable. The inflation report will remain a key factor influencing the market, and hawkish signals from the Bank of Japan (BoJ) continue to suggest further rate hikes. Additionally, strong GDP growth in Q4 and expectations for higher wage increases following Japan's spring wage negotiations (Shunto) further bolster the case for a tighter BoJ policy.

According to the latest data, Japan's headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) jumped to 4.0% y/y in January, surpassing forecasts of 3.8%. This marks the strongest inflation rate since January 2023 and the third consecutive month of acceleration.

The core CPI, which excludes fresh food prices, also exceeded expectations, rising to 3.2% y/y (vs. a forecast of 3.1%), reaching its highest level since June 2023. Inflation, excluding both food and energy, accelerated to 2.5% y/y, up from 2.4% in the previous month.

A breakdown of the report shows that electricity costs surged by 18%, while food prices jumped by 7.8%, the highest pace in 15 months. Clothing prices rose 2.8%, household goods increased 3.4%, and transportation and medical services also saw price gains. The only categories that saw slight declines were communication services (-0.3%) and education (-1.1%).

This strong inflation report reinforces the hawkish stance of BoJ policymakers. According to a Reuters survey, nearly 70% of economists expect the BoJ to raise rates by 25 basis points in Q3 2024, likely in May or June. However, this survey was conducted before the latest inflation release, which means market focus will now shift to the March BoJ meeting for potential signals on earlier action.

In addition to inflation, Japan's Q4 GDP data recently showed a 0.7% q/q expansion, the fastest pace since Q2 2023. On an annualized basis, GDP growth hit 2.8%, far exceeding the consensus forecast of 1.0%. These figures suggest that Japan's economy remains resilient, providing further justification for a monetary policy shift.

Kato vs. Takata: Diverging Views on Policy

Had Kato not expressed concerns about higher rates potentially pressuring Japan's financial system, USD/JPY might have already tested the 148.00 support level (lower Bollinger Bands line on the daily chart). However, his comments caused hesitation among yen buyers.

This contradicts the hawkish stance of BoJ board member Hajime Takata, who just two days ago advocated for continued tightening to prevent overheating and excessive price growth. Notably, Takata made these remarks before the inflation data release, suggesting that his next comments might be even more assertive.

Adding to the hawkish sentiment, BoJ Governor Kazuo Ueda also emphasized today that higher rates in the long run would support financial institutions' profitability, signaling a willingness to gradually normalize monetary policy.

USD/JPY Technical Outlook

Despite the recent bounce, USD/JPY remains in a bearish setup on both the H4 and daily timeframes, staying below the middle and lower Bollinger Bands lines.

On the D1 chart, the Ichimoku indicator continues to show a bearish "Bearish Cross" signal.

Key downward targets remain unchanged:

  • 149.20 (Kijun-sen line on the weekly chart)
  • 148.00 (lower Bollinger Bands line on D1)

The fundamental backdrop favors further downside, reinforcing the case for a continued downtrend in USD/JPY.

Irina Manzenko,
Analytical expert of InstaForex
© 2007-2025
Select timeframe
5
min
15
min
30
min
1
hour
4
hours
1
day
1
week
Earn on cryptocurrency rate changes with InstaForex
Download MetaTrader 4 and open your first trade
All Analytics
Crypto-currencies
Trading tips for crypto market on June 27 (North American session) Bitcoin made another attempt to return to the $108,000 level, but failed to hold it and corrected lower, falling below the $107,000 mark, a move that could lead
Miroslaw Bawulski
15:47 2025-06-27 +02:00
1360
Forecast
USD/JPY: Simple Trading Tips for Beginner Traders on June 27th (U.S. Session) Trade Review and Recommendations for the Japanese Yen The price test of 144.59 occurred when the MACD had already moved significantly above the zero line, which limited the pair's upward
Jakub Novak
13:20 2025-06-27 +02:00
1660
Breaking Forecast Trading Plan Cryptocurrencies USD/RUB Russian Economy Video Analysis
Trading Instruments
EURUSD GBPUSD USDCHF USDCAD USDJPY AUDUSD EURGBP EURJPY NZDUSD EURNZD Silver Gold #CL #USDX COVID-19 Bitcoin
  • Grand Choice
    Contest by
    InstaForex
    InstaForex always strives to help you
    fulfill your biggest dreams.
    JOIN CONTEST

Recommended Stories

The Yen Has Lost Its Bullish Momentum

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) in the Tokyo region declined in June from 3.4% to 3.1% year-over-year, marking the first signal so far that may indicate a slowdown in price
Kuvat Raharjo 12:21 2025-06-27 UTC+2

EUR/JPY. Analysis and Forecast

The EUR/JPY pair is regaining positive momentum during today's trading session, reversing its recent decline.The euro continues to benefit from the prevailing sentiment of selling the U.S. dollar
Irina Yanina 12:17 2025-06-27 UTC+2

Inflation in Canada Remains Too High – USD/CAD May Accelerate Its Decline

Inflation in Canada remains too high to expect a rate cut by the Bank of Canada at its upcoming meeting. In April, inflation sharply slowed to 1.7% y/y, and most
Kuvat Raharjo 11:16 2025-06-27 UTC+2

XAU/USD. Analysis and Forecast

Gold is drawing renewed selling interest today after breaking below the key $3300 level. Traders are awaiting the release of the U.S. Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index, which
Irina Yanina 10:47 2025-06-27 UTC+2

PCE Index Data Unlikely to Significantly Impact Market Dynamics (Potential for Renewed Growth in EUR/USD and Bitcoin)

The easing of tensions in the markets, following a pause in the military conflict in the Middle East, supports the return of the previous paradigm—an increase in demand for stocks
Pati Gani 09:52 2025-06-27 UTC+2

The Market Is Off the Leash

Greed has returned to the markets. While professionals warn about the need for caution amid geopolitical uncertainty, trade wars, and the state of the U.S. economy, retail investors are once
Marek Petkovich 09:16 2025-06-27 UTC+2

What to Pay Attention to on June 27? A Breakdown of Fundamental Events for Beginners

There are relatively few macroeconomic reports scheduled for Friday. Some experts refer to the PCE indicator as "important" and "the Fed's favorite," but we do not share that view
Paolo Greco 07:02 2025-06-27 UTC+2

GBP/USD Overview – June 27: History Doesn't Repeat Itself

The GBP/USD currency pair continued its strong upward movement throughout Thursday. Since the beginning of the week, the U.S. dollar has lost "only" 330 pips. As we've previously stated
Paolo Greco 03:41 2025-06-27 UTC+2

EUR/USD Overview – June 27: Can Trump Balance the Trade Deficit?

The EUR/USD currency pair is in a "free rise" (similar to the term "free fall"). The dollar is once again plunging into the abyss, just as we repeatedly warned. It's
Paolo Greco 03:41 2025-06-27 UTC+2

Powell, Trump, and Everyone Else

What will change with the arrival of a new Federal Reserve Chair? This is a rather important question, and the answer to it may already have implications for the U.S
Chin Zhao 00:08 2025-06-27 UTC+2

Top analytics

Relevance up to 01:00 2025-06-28 UTC--5
USD/JPY: Simple Trading Tips for Beginner Traders on June 27. Analysis of Yesterday's Forex Trades
08:50 2025-06-27
Forecast
Relevance up to 00:00 2025-06-28 UTC--5
XAU/USD. Analysis and Forecast
10:47 2025-06-27
Fundamental analysis
Relevance up to 22:00 2025-06-27 UTC--5
EUR/USD Forecast for June 27, 2025
05:13 2025-06-27
Technical analysis
Relevance up to 03:00 2025-06-28 UTC--5
Forex forecast 27/06/2025: EUR/USD, USD/JPY, Gold, Oil and Bitcoin
10:12 2025-06-27
Technical analysis
Relevance up to 03:00 2025-06-28 UTC--5
Forecast for EUR/USD on June 27, 2025
11:22 2025-06-27
Technical analysis
Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
Widget callback
Callback widget
 

Dear visitor,

Your IP address shows that you are currently located in the USA. If you are a resident of the United States, you are prohibited from using the services of InstaFintech Group including online trading, online transfers, deposit/withdrawal of funds, etc.

If you think you are seeing this message by mistake and your location is not the US, kindly proceed to the website. Otherwise, you must leave the website in order to comply with government restrictions.

Why does your IP address show your location as the USA?

  • - you are using a VPN provided by a hosting company based in the United States;
  • - your IP does not have proper WHOIS records;
  • - an error occurred in the WHOIS geolocation database.

Please confirm whether you are a US resident or not by clicking the relevant button below. If you choose the wrong option, being a US resident, you will not be able to open an account with InstaForex anyway.

We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by this message.