Forex Chart Patterns: Dollar Strengthens Ahead of PCE Data
On Friday, the yen experienced a brief decline below the closely monitored level of 145 per dollar, although it was held back by traders’ apprehensions regarding potential intervention by Japanese authorities. Meanwhile, the dollar displayed strength across the board as investors awaited U.S. inflation data, analyzing forex chart patterns for potential trading opportunities.
The main focus for FX markets is the release of the U.S. personal consumption expenditure price index, scheduled for 0830 EDT (1230 GMT). This highly anticipated indicator will provide insights into the pace of price slowdown in the world’s largest economy.
Thursday’s data highlighting the resilience of the U.S. economy suggested that the Federal Reserve has room for further interest rate hikes if inflation data demands it. Consequently, U.S. benchmark 10-year yields recorded their largest increase since late March, rising by 14 basis points.
Positive U.S. Data Drives Dollar Index Growth
The dollar index climbed 0.35% on Thursday, making significant gains against the euro, which experienced a 0.45% decline.
On Friday, the euro remained relatively steady, down 0.15% at $1.0847, hovering near a two-week low. Meanwhile, the British pound advanced 0.3% to $1.2648, benefiting from a slight rise in British government bond yields. Both currencies were close to their respective two-week lows from the previous day.
The pound has been one of the top-performing developed market currencies in the second quarter, rising 2.5%. The dollar index, which tracks the performance of the dollar against six major peers, recorded a 0.8% increase for the quarter. This marks its first quarterly gain since Q3 2022.
Market Analysis and Expectations
Simon Harvey, Head of FX Analysis at Monex Europe, emphasized the positive surprises in U.S. data. Coupled with underwhelming global data, it came as a prominent theme in recent weeks. These factors may align with the Federal Reserve’s messaging of a potential second rate hike in Q4.
While market expectations have largely priced in a 25 basis point interest rate hike by the Fed in July, policymakers’ projections anticipate an additional rate hike before year-end.
Japanese Officials Cautious Amid Dollar’s Upsurge
The dollar briefly reached 145.07 yen in Friday’s Asian trade, marking its highest level in seven months. This level is significant as it was the point at which Japanese authorities intervened last autumn to support their currency.
However, the dollar failed to sustain those gains and ended the day flat at 144.88 yen. Japanese Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki expressed concerns over the excessive yen weakening, though he stopped short of declaring any decisive measures.
Forex Line Trading: Inflation and Economic Data Influences
Forex chart data released on Friday indicated patterns that core inflation in Tokyo increased in June. It remained above the Bank of Japan’s 2% target for the 13th consecutive month.
Eurozone inflation data also garnered attention, revealing a further decline in headline inflation, albeit with the smallest drop in underlying price changes.
Furthermore, official surveys showcased China’s factory activity declining for the third consecutive month in June. The analysts observed weaknesses in other sectors as well. These developments initially caused the yuan to weaken, with the onshore currency trading at 7.2675 per dollar and the offshore currency at 7.2845 per dollar.
USD/JPY Outlook:
The USD/JPY pair completed a growth wave, reaching 145.03. However, a decline toward 143.93 could materialize, and if this level is breached, it may open the potential for a drop to 143.30. The pair showed as one of the less stable Forex trading examples this week.
