JPY_2_M

JPY flexes again as JGB yields soar

Forex 3 minutes to read
Picture of John Hardy
John J. Hardy

Global Head of Macro Strategy

Summary:  The JPY is powering up as US yields and European yields drop, while long Japanese yields spike. The USD bearish case is finding a bit more traction again, while AUD dips on a surprisingly dovish RBA.


Note: This is marketing material.

Latest market moves:
A quick one today. The Japanese yen is powering up after US treasury yields reversed lower after having broken above key levels. This by itself is a relief for JPY longs, but an interesting twist has been the weakness in long JGB’s overnight as a 20-year JGB auction saw the weakest bidding metrics since 2012 and the benchmark yield for 20-year JGB’s rose above 2.50% for the first time since 2000. The JPY strength was broad with most PY crosses pressing on local lows if not yet on technically interesting levels just yet. Interesting to note the contrast in the European bond markets this morning, where yields are pressing to new local lows on a very weak German PPI figure for April (-0.6% (!) MoM and -0.9% YoY vs. -0.3/-0.6% expected).

EURUSD teased higher through the 1.1266 resistance yesterday and to 1.1288 before dropping back to 1.120 and then rebounding back higher in late Asian and early European trading today. A close there above 1.1300 helps to cement a more broadly bearish USD picture.

The RBA surprised dovish, less with its expression of uncertainty on tariff issues and very modest downward revision of the inflation outlook and much more by noting that a 50 basis point cut was considered and clearly expressing an optionality to slash rate quickly if the economy/labor market weaken more than anticipated. Australian 2-year rates collapsed almost 20 basis points as the market upped the odds of further cuts. AUDNZD slipped below 1.0850

The US fiscal focus continues as House Republicans wrangle over how much help for poorest Americans needs to be slashed (how is this a political win for Trump?) and on SALT tax exemptions. The noise is that the House wants to have something ready by the end of this week. And we’ll need to continue to track US treasury yields.

Chart: USDJPY
Some follow through lower here in USDJPY is feeding further hope for the bears that we are set for a showdown at the critical 140.00 level in coming weeks. The rising line of consolidation or trendline is challenged here and the next step is perhaps a full erasing of the rally of the 142.34 lows.

20_05_2025_USDJPY
Source: Saxo

FX Board of G10 and CNH trend evolution and strength.
Note: If unfamiliar with the FX board, please see a video tutorial for understanding and using the FX Board.

We have the USD weakness rebuilding slightly, while the JPY has built some positive momentum without yet showing signs of trending. The CNH has been kept a non-story for now by China.

20_05_2025_FXBoard_Main
Source: Bloomberg and Saxo Group

Table: NEW FX Board Trend Scoreboard for individual pairs.
EURUSD is trying to re-establish is bullish trend credentials here, and USDJPY has not yet done so because the scale of the recent rally requires time for the EMA’s that determine trend status to cross, but is falling so fast that that cross could happen as early as today on a significant extension lower.

20_05_2025_FXBoard_Individuals
Source: Bloomberg and Saxo Group

Quarterly Outlook

01 /

  • Equity outlook: The high cost of global fragmentation for US portfolios

    Quarterly Outlook

    Equity outlook: The high cost of global fragmentation for US portfolios

    Charu Chanana

    Chief Investment Strategist

  • Commodity Outlook: Commodities rally despite global uncertainty

    Quarterly Outlook

    Commodity Outlook: Commodities rally despite global uncertainty

    Ole Hansen

    Head of Commodity Strategy

  • Upending the global order at blinding speed

    Quarterly Outlook

    Upending the global order at blinding speed

    John J. Hardy

    Global Head of Macro Strategy

    We are witnessing a once-in-a-lifetime shredding of the global order. As the new order takes shape, ...
  • Asset allocation outlook: From Magnificent 7 to Magnificent 2,645—diversification matters, now more than ever

    Quarterly Outlook

    Asset allocation outlook: From Magnificent 7 to Magnificent 2,645—diversification matters, now more than ever

    Jacob Falkencrone

    Global Head of Investment Strategy

  • Macro outlook: Trump 2.0: Can the US have its cake and eat it, too?

    Quarterly Outlook

    Macro outlook: Trump 2.0: Can the US have its cake and eat it, too?

    John J. Hardy

    Global Head of Macro Strategy

  • Equity Outlook: The ride just got rougher

    Quarterly Outlook

    Equity Outlook: The ride just got rougher

    Charu Chanana

    Chief Investment Strategist

  • China Outlook: The choice between retaliation or de-escalation

    Quarterly Outlook

    China Outlook: The choice between retaliation or de-escalation

    Charu Chanana

    Chief Investment Strategist

  • Commodity Outlook: A bumpy road ahead calls for diversification

    Quarterly Outlook

    Commodity Outlook: A bumpy road ahead calls for diversification

    Ole Hansen

    Head of Commodity Strategy

  • FX outlook: Tariffs drive USD strength, until...?

    Quarterly Outlook

    FX outlook: Tariffs drive USD strength, until...?

    John J. Hardy

    Global Head of Macro Strategy

  • Fixed Income Outlook: Bonds Hit Reset. A New Equilibrium Emerges

    Quarterly Outlook

    Fixed Income Outlook: Bonds Hit Reset. A New Equilibrium Emerges

    Althea Spinozzi

    Head of Fixed Income Strategy

Disclaimer

Saxo Capital Markets (Australia) Limited prepares and distributes information/research produced within the Saxo Bank Group for informational purposes only. In addition to the disclaimer below, if any general advice is provided, such advice does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider the appropriateness of trading any financial instrument as trading can result in losses that exceed your initial investment. Please refer to our Analysis Disclaimer, and our Financial Services Guide and Product Disclosure Statement. All legal documentation and disclaimers can be found at https://www.home.saxo/en-au/legal/.

The Saxo Bank Group entities each provide execution-only service. Access and use of Saxo News & Research and any Saxo Bank Group website are subject to (i) the Terms of Use; (ii) the full Disclaimer; and (iii) the Risk Warning in addition (where relevant) to the terms governing the use of the website of a member of the Saxo Bank Group.

Saxo News & Research is provided for informational purposes, does not contain (and should not be construed as containing) financial, investment, tax or trading advice or advice of any sort offered, recommended or endorsed by Saxo Bank Group and should not be construed as a record of our trading prices, or as an offer, incentive or solicitation for the subscription, sale or purchase in any financial instrument. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. All trading or investments you make must be pursuant to your own unprompted and informed self-directed decision. No Saxo Bank Group entity shall be liable for any losses that you may sustain as a result of any investment decision made in reliance on information on Saxo News & Research.

To the extent that any content is construed as investment research, such content was not intended to and has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such, would be considered as a marketing communication.

None of the information contained here constitutes an offer to purchase or sell a financial instrument, or to make any investments.Saxo Capital Markets does not take into account your personal investment objectives or financial situation and makes no representation and assumes no liability as to the accuracy or completeness of the information nor for any loss arising from any investment made in reliance of this presentation. Any opinions made are subject to change and may be personal to the author. These may not necessarily reflect the opinion of Saxo Capital Markets or its affiliates.

Please read our disclaimers:
- Full Disclaimer (https://www.home.saxo/en-au/legal/disclaimer/saxo-disclaimer)
- Analysis Disclaimer (https://www.home.saxo/en-au/legal/analysis-disclaimer/saxo-analysis-disclaimer)
- Notification on Non-Independent Investment Research (https://www.home.saxo/legal/niird/notification)

Saxo Capital Markets (Australia) Limited
Suite 1, Level 14, 9 Castlereagh St
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia

Contact Saxo

Select region

Australia
Australia

The Saxo trading platform has received numerous awards and recognition. For details of these awards and information on awards visit www.home.saxo/en-au/about-us/awards

Saxo Capital Markets (Australia) Limited ABN 32 110 128 286 AFSL 280372 (‘Saxo’ or ‘Saxo Capital Markets’) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Saxo Bank A/S, headquartered in Denmark. Please refer to our General Business Terms, Financial Services Guide, Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination to consider whether acquiring or continuing to hold financial products is suitable for you, prior to opening an account and investing in a financial product.

Trading in financial instruments carries various risks, and is not suitable for all investors. Please seek expert advice, and always ensure that you fully understand these risks before trading. Saxo Capital Markets does not provide ‘personal’ financial product advice, any information available on this website is ‘general’ in nature and for informational purposes only. Saxo Capital Markets does not take into account an individual’s needs, objectives or financial situation. The Target Market Determination should assist you in determining whether any of the products or services we offer are likely to be consistent with your objectives, financial situation and needs.

Apple, iPad and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the US and other countries. AppStore is a service mark of Apple Inc.

The information or the products and services referred to on this website may be accessed worldwide, however is only intended for distribution to and use by recipients located in countries where such use does not constitute a violation of applicable legislation or regulations. Products and Services offered on this website is not intended for residents of the United States and Japan.

Please click here to view our full disclaimer.